We went apple picking at the Shelburne Orchards, then took the loot to our house to make delicious apple pie and apple crisp and share in a potluck lunch!!! It was a gorgeous Fall day; notice the Adirondack mountains in the background.
Top row: April Makukhov, Melanie Lloyd, Heidi Hargarten, and Melissa Pespeni. Bottom row: Aurelia Lockwood.
Heidi Hargarten (foreground) and Melanie Lloyd (window seat) just joined the lab as our first technician and postdoc, respectively! Welcome! ….and we’re off!!!
The Pespeni Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Vermont is looking to hire an exceptionally motivated, organized, and skilled individual to work as a population genomics technician in our new research lab. We use genomics, developmental biology, and physiology to understand the underpinnings of resilience and vulnerability of marine species in the context of complex natural ecosystems, particularly changing climate conditions.
The technician will assist the PI in managing the lab and conducting research, with the opportunity for co-authorship on scientific publications. Specific duties will include ordering supplies and equipment, maintaining equipment, processing samples for genetic and physiology assays, microscopy, preparing RNA and DNA samples for sequencing, performing basic data analyses, training students, and maintaining an organized, safe and productive lab environment. The lab offers an exciting, integrative and supportive work environment, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research projects.
Minimum qualifications:
– A bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in population genetics, molecular biology, or molecular ecology
– Experience preparing reagents/buffers, gel electrophoresis, and PCR
– Exceptional organizational skills and strong ability to accomplish tasks independently
– Ability to master detailed laboratory procedures
– Excellent communication and computer skills
– The ability to lift at least thirty pounds
Preferred Qualifications
– Experience with aquaculture of marine organisms either as a hobbyist or professionally
– Familiarity with scientific computing languages such as R, Python, or Perl, and working on command line
– Strong knowledge in evolutionary biology and marine biology
To apply, please visit the University of Vermont Jobs website https://www.uvmjobs.com/ and search for Posting # S231PO. Please submit a resume, three (3) letters of reference, and a cover letter that highlights your previous experience in the laboratory. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. The position will ideally begin in May.
This is a full-time position, initially appointed for a period of 12 months with benefits. The position can be extended for at least one year depending on performance.
Please contact Melissa Pespeni (mpespeni@uvm.edu) if you have any questions.
The Pespeni Lab is starting at the University of Vermont (UVM)!
In the Pespeni Lab, we aim to better understand the processes that generate and impact the incredible biodiversity that exists on this planet, particularly in the contexts of complex natural ecosystems and rapidly changing climatic conditions. To make connections between genes, phenotypes and the environment, we integrate genomics, population genetics, developmental genetics, physiology, and ecology using natural populations in both field- and lab-based investigations. Conceptually, our research addresses integrative questions in evolutionary biology, ecological genomics, and global change biology, with an eye toward conservation. Our models systems to explore these questions to date are sea urchins, copepods, and horned beetles.
Come back soon – this website is evolving!