Opportunities

Field Research Assistant position – August/September 2023

Project: Incorporating human behavioral systems in insecticide resistance management for mosquito-borne diseases

We are seeking several positions for highly motivated Research Assistants (undergraduate to Master’s level) to support research on mosquito-borne diseases in Maricopa County, AZ during August/September 2023. This project is led by Dr. Silvie Huijben at Arizona State University (https://www.huijbenlab.net/) and Dr. Pilar Fernandez at Washington State University (https://labs.wsu.edu/eco-epi-lab/).

The project will evaluate the effects of domestic pesticide use on the mosquito population and its impacts on insecticide resistance management. We will conduct household visits to conduct surveys to collect human behavioral data, while simultaneously sampling mosquitos in the residences in selected neighborhoods.

The assistants contribute to the following activities: general fieldwork planning and logistics, mosquito sampling and conducting epidemiological surveys. This position will provide strong training in conducting ecological and epidemiological surveys in the field, mosquito collection and identification, data management skills, and science communication. 

Primary responsibilities (one or more of):

  • Conduct ecological assessments of residential properties and mosquito sampling in Maricopa County, AZ.
  • Conduct in-person recruitment and surveys of householders.
  • Coordinate field logistics and data management with a field crew of 2-3 assistants.

Requirements:

Applicants should have a keen interest in disease ecology/environmental health/epidemiology/public health, have strong leadership and communication skills, and be highly organized with legible handwriting. A valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record is required. Experience with mosquito sampling, as well as with public outreach are desirable but not required. This may be a fieldwork intensive position, so RAs must be in good physical condition and be capable of working in unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat), but we will adjust working hours depending on weather conditions.

This is a full-time, temporary, and seasonal position beginning in May and ending in August 2023; exact dates are somewhat negotiable.

Wages/benefits:

This is a paid position, and the hourly rate will be $16/hr. The maximum number of hours per week will be 40 hours. The employment position will be completed through Washington State University although the work will be conducted locally in Maricopa county, AZ.

Dates/hours:

This is a part-time position for the month of August and September 2023; exact dates are to be defined and are somewhat negotiable. Tentative start date is August 28th, 2023.

To apply:

Applications can be accessed online through the link provided below. You will be required to provide a cover letter outlining relevant field experience and a CV/resume and two references. Please provide these in a single pdf document with your last name in the subject. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis.