Technical Aide
Michigan State University

Job no: 853448
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 00
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Fisheries And Wildlife 10002344
Sub Area: CT- Clerical Tech.
Salary: Pay Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Temporary
Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.

Unit Position Summary

The successful candidate will work with scientists at Michigan State University in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics: Drs. Jean Tsao, Henry (Rique) Campa III, and Edward (Ned) Walker. Drs Tsao and Walker work on the ecology, prevention, and management of arthropod vectors and their pathogens. Dr. Henry (Rique) Campa III works on wildlife habitat ecology and ecosystem management, with an emphasis on wildlife-habitat interactions and the effects of disturbance on species, populations, and communities. The candidate will work closely with a post-doctoral scholar to be determined. MSU scientists have been awarded funding through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease (MCE-VBD) to carry out several projects to explore innovative methods to reduce tick- and mosquito-borne diseases.

The primary project the technician will work on lies at the nexus of disease ecology, wildlife-habitat interactions, host-targeted interventions for disease control, and the human dimensions of wildlife management. The technician will assist with developing an innovative deer-targeted area-wide tick control method to reduce the risk of tick-borne disease. Specifically, the technician will help adapt an approach that was initially developed to reduce bovine tuberculosis risk among white-tailed deer in agricultural landscapes to reduce tick-borne disease risk in an urban-suburban landscape. The tick targeted in this study is the blacklegged tick, or the "deer tick," which is responsible for the spread of Lyme disease (the leading vector-borne disease in North America) as well as several other reportable diseases that affect human and domestic animals. This approach may be applied in the future to control other invasive tick vectors that frequently use deer such as the lone star tick, the Asian long-horned tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. The successful candidate should be someone who is excited to conduct research to implement an ecological intervention to mitigate wildlife-human hazards in a realistic setting and potentially engage with numerous stakeholders, which necessarily requires embracing research activities in ecological and human dimensions realms.

The technician is expected to carry out and/or assist with the following objectives:

• Characterize the use of several suburban/city parks by wildlife (deer and meso-mammals) using trail cameras across all seasons.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate drug delivery unit protocols to free-ranging white-tailed deer.
• Engage stakeholders to assess Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors (KAB) regarding ticks and tick control and assess acceptance of various tick control approaches for public lands, and in particular, host-targeted methods.
• Review and summarize deer-targeted wildlife disease management approaches, including, but not limited to reducing tick-borne disease.
• Supervise and co-mentor undergraduate students.
• Synthesize and communicate results in co-developed reports, presentations, and publications.
• Assist in other MCE-VBD related projects as appropriate.

Depending on interests, career objectives, time, and available resources the technician will also have the opportunity to participate in other MCE-VBD projects led by MSU and develop side projects in support of the main research project goals. Thus, this project provides additional opportunities for scholarship in many different areas.

Established in 2017, the MCE-VBD has the mission of preventing vector-borne disease in the Upper Midwest. The Center's approach to this ambitious goal involves working with partners in public health and vector control to understand the knowledge gaps and challenges associated with vector-borne disease, conducting rigorous assessment of new and existing vector management approaches, and providing real-world research experiences to a next generation of public health entomologists. The project that the post-doc will lead exemplifies an innovative and ambitious approach to reduce tick-borne disease, which thus far is increasing relentlessly and for which we have limited control measures.

This position involves traveling to various locations on and off campus to conduct research using a university vehicle. Interested applicants must have a driver's license and meet a "satisfactory" driving record check through Risk management.

Desired Qualifications

1. B.S. degree by the start date of the position in a pertinent biological field.
2. Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
3. Demonstrated ability to work reliably.
4. Experience in organizing, verifying, and maintaining databases in Excel.
5. Experience working in collaborative research settings.
6. Experience with deploying and analyzing data from wildlife surveillance cameras.
7. Experience extracting and manipulating GIS and GPS data.
8. Experience with conducting wildlife field studies, including those regarding wildlife-habitat interactions and animal movement.
9. Experience or desire to work on questions regarding vector-borne, wildlife, and/or zoonotic disease ecology and management.
10. Experience managing and collaborating with field crews and mentoring undergraduates.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants should create a single document (Word or pdf) that includes a letter of interest that highlights the desired attributes specified in the job description, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and a list of three references and their contact information. The name of the file should contain the last and first name of the applicant (e.g., Doe.Jane.pdf). The letter of interest should include a statement of the applicant's areas of interest regarding wildlife and/or disease ecology research, explanation of how prior activities provide support for their application with regard to minimum and desired qualifications listed above.

MSU Statement: Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Department Statement: The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife was established in 1950 with faculty drawn from several different units. Since that time, both the faculty and the issues of importance in fisheries and wildlife have changed significantly. Our Mission, Vision, and Values build on our core strengths and prepare us for continuing change in societal needs, scientific understanding, and educational priorities.

We believe a diverse, inclusive working and learning environment enriches the department and fosters innovation in teaching, research, and engagement with partners and the public. We expect all members of the department to uphold the highest ethical standards in our work and personal conduct, with shared responsibility and accountability. We act in keeping with our values, mission, and vision.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Special Instructions

For inquiries or questions, please contact Dr. Jean Tsao (tsao@msu.edu) and/or Dr. Rique Campa (campa@msu.edu) via e-mail with "Deer-targeted tick control Technician" in the subject line.

Work Hours

for the most part 8-5, but sometimes may need to work in the Evening and/or may need to work on the weekend depending on weather

Summary of Health Risks

Potential exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, bees, etc.

Summary of Physical Demands

Walk around in the woods and carry light equipment (camera traps, batteries, cables.)

Advertised: Apr 3, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

---