The Queen’s Experimental Ecology and Ecotoxicology (QE3) Lab is looking for two Queen’s undergraduate students who are interested in working in a research position for the summer, funded through the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP).
The successful SWEP students will assist with the set-up of the QE3 Living Laboratory – a new outdoor aquatic laboratory facility at the Queen’s University Biology Station. The SWEP students will be involved in testing lab equipment and monitoring water quality parameters in outdoor aquatic tanks (i.e. mesocosms), caring for fish and amphibians housed in mesocosms, monitoring ambient weather, building simple structures for scientific studies (e.g. partitions, exclosure cages, etc.), and identifying and documenting safety concerns. The students will be required to keep detailed records and produce written reports detailing their suggested methods for running future experiments at QE3.
These positions are based at the Queen’s University Biology Station (QUBS) which is located approximately 50km north of Kingston. Accommodations and meals at the station will be covered by the QE3 Lab.
Apply online through the Queen’s MyCareer site.
Applications close on February 8th.
Required Qualifications:
• Enrolled in a life or physical science degree, including, but not limited to: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental studies.
• Ability to be outside for extended periods of time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions (including hot/cold temperatures, wind, rain).
• Ability to use basic tools and troubleshoot issues with equipment.
• Willingness to live and work in a remote field station for up to 4 months.
• Ability to do limited amounts of heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), hike over uneven, outdoor terrain, and possess a strong swimming ability.
• Ability to occasionally work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Exceptionally organized, and proficient at keeping detailed, thorough notes in a lab notebook.
• Experience using MS Word, MS Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally is an asset.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing is an asset.
• Experience working with water quality testing is an asset.
• Experience assisting with a research project is an asset.
• Possess or ability to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator license with experience operating small boats and motors is an asset.
UPDATE: Thank you to all the candidates who applied; we have hired two students who will start in May.
Queen's Experimental Ecology & Ecotoxicology 