Seasonal Research - Mosquito Surveillance

We anticipate fourteen Seasonal Research Assistant positions at the Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to assist in Mosquito Research and Surveillance Programs on West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus.

1. Laboratory Research Assistants- Mosquito and Virus Testing (2 positions)
Duties: Preparation and virus testing of mosquito specimens, maintaining cell cultures, and recording data. Will work with human viral pathogens in a secure Biosafety Level 3 containment facility.
Background: Course work and lab experience in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and/or immunology is desirable. Training provided.

2. Laboratory Research Assistants- Mosquito Identification and Colony Maintenance (5 positions)
Duties: Microscopic identification of mosquitoes, preparation of specimens for virus testing, computer-based data entry, maintenance of mosquito colonies, and occasional field work.
Background: Course work or experience in insect identification, use of diagnostic keys and microscopes, and/or entomology is desirable. Training provided.

3. Field Research Assistants- Mosquito Trapping and Surveillance (7 positions)
Duties: Field-monitoring and collection of mosquitoes from wetland swamps and other habitats, laboratory sorting of mosquitoes. Substantial travel to research sites throughout the state.
Background: Course work or experience in biology, entomology, and/or wetland ecology is desirable. Must possess a valid driver's license. Vehicle and training provided.
 

Positions are durational from May 1 through October 31, 2024 with variable start and end dates, depending on the position and the applicant's availability. The hours of work are 8:30 am-4:30 pm M-F for lab positions and 6:30 am- 2:30 pm M-F for field positions. The salary is $16.00/hr.
 

To apply, interested candidates should submit (email preferred): (1) a cover letter indicating interest in the position, (2) resume, (3) college transcripts (unofficial copies are ok), and (4) names and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Philip Armstrong, Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511. Phone 203-974-8510; FAX 203-974-8502; e-mail: philip.armstrong@ct.gov

Equal employment opportunity means employment of people without consideration of age, ancestry, color, criminal record (in state employment and licensing), gender identity or expression, genetic information, intellectual disability, learning disability, marital status, mental disability (past or present), national origin, physical disability (including blindness), race, religious creed, retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion, sex (pregnancy or sexual harassment), sexual orientation, veteran status, and workplace hazards to reproductive systems unless the provisions of sec. 46a-80(b) or 46a-81(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes are controlling or there are bona fide occupational qualifications excluding persons in one of the above protected classes. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact Dr. Jason White, Director, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, (203) 974-8440 (voice), or Jason.White@ct.gov (e-mail). CAES is an affirmative action/equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons with disabilities who require alternate means of communication of program information should contact the Chief of Services, Michael Last at (203) 974-8442 (voice), (203) 974-8502 (FAX), or Michael.Last@ct.gov (e-mail).