"Research Assistant"

Job Summary

Project Overview: Urban greenspaces in the San Gabriel Valley provide vital recreation for people and pets—but they also serve as habitats for wildlife that host ticks. These ticks may carry pathogens that pose serious health risks to both humans and animals. Surprisingly, there is limited data on tick populations and tickborne pathogens in the eastern San Gabriel Valley and broader Southern California region.

This research project seeks to close that gap by using a novel tick-collection approach and a multiplex molecular assay to screen for several tickborne pathogens. The data generated will help determine what tick species are present in local greenspaces, what pathogens they may carry, and when the risk of exposure to these infections is greatest.

Student Responsibilities:

The selected undergraduate student will assist in various aspects of the research, including fieldwork, sample processing, and laboratory diagnostics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Interest in ecology, biology, veterinary/public health, or molecular biology.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varied conditions.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.
• Previous lab or field experience is a plus, but not required.

Required Qualifications

Experience: Experience as a research student in a laboratory or academic setting.

Preferred Qualifications

(Not specified in detail)

Essential Job Duties

To apply, visit https://jobs.westernu.edu/postings/33857