Position Summary

The Velotta Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking to hire one seasonal field technician to assist with research on the ecology of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in Colorado and in collaboration with Nathan Senner’s lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The project is focused on understanding how deer mouse physiology and population dynamics are influenced by parasites and environmental variation. The field technician will assist with all aspects of fieldwork, with opportunities for learning research skills throughout the season.

The position will run from May 15, 2024 - October 15, 2024. Airfare, shared field housing, food, all necessary equipment, and a stipend of $18.50/hour will be provided.

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

Essential Functions

• Maintenance of a small mammal trapping grid.
• Capture, handling, and tagging of deer mice.
• Field physiology including respirometry (metabolic rate measurement).
• Field behavioral trials.
• Working in the plains and mountains in sometimes rugged terrain.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Interest in mammalian ecology, field biology, physiology, species interactions, and/or related fields.
• Comfortable living and sleeping in close quarters with the team.
• Comfortable working at high elevations in sometimes rugged terrain.
• Strong work ethic, eagerness to learn fieldwork and research methods, and ability to work well on a team and independently in challenging physical conditions and sometimes stressful scenarios. Applicant must be adaptable, communicative, cooperative, and detail oriented.

Required Qualifications

• Interest in mammalian ecology, field biology, physiology, species interactions, and/or related fields.
• Comfortable living and sleeping in close quarters with the team.
• Comfortable working at high elevations in sometimes rugged terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with outdoor fieldwork and following research protocols.
• Previous experience with small mammal trapping and handling.
• Familiarity with respirometry.

Work Schedule

• The position will run from May 1, 2024 – October 15, 2024.
• Work hours may vary throughout the season, with efforts requiring both working early in the morning and late into the evening.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Hourly Rate

The hourly rate for the position is $18.50.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) May 1, 2024.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.