POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Biology Assistant
Park Unit: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: YES
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 10/21/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $665.00
Relocation Allowance: $1,050.00
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS: Under 75 (This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Assessment of local small-mammal samples collected along Ambler Mining District Road corridor (GAAR/KOVA) enables the establishment of a reference condition of population genetic variation prior to industrial development. Construction of the Ambler Road, which abuts the GAAR wilderness park boundary, traverses 22 miles of the Kobuk River through GAAR Preserve and passes near the KOVA wilderness boundary, is imminent. Though the Ambler Mining District right-of-way is mandated by Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, development must “minimize impacts to wildlife…” This requires baseline data to be collected prior to road construction to assess impacts after road completion and use. The road project has been permitted by GAAR, is as a priority of Alaska’s Governor and could set precedent for future industrial development in U.S. parklands.
This project will allow NPS to evaluate the impacts of climate change and development by using small mammal populations as biomonitors to investigate changes in genetic diversity in these parklands. These data are central for future comparative research and informed dialogue with industry to establish mitigation strategies to minimize impacts. Baseline data will include measures of distribution, population genetic structure and diversity, population dynamics, and presence of cryptic species or hybrids. Combined, these metrics provide a valuable pre-development snapshot of population status preceding future climate change and road use.
The SIP Intern will be engaged in applied genetics research and science communication on this emerging park management issue. The SIP Intern's research will be conducted in the Genetics Laboratory under Dr. Sarah Sonsthagen at University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Dr. Sonsthagen has years of genetics research expertise and mentoring experience from her work at USGS Alaska Science Center and University of Nebraska, Lincoln. NPS Wildlife Biologist and PhD student, Sarah Swanson, will also be conducting her PhD research and mentoring the SIP.
The SIP Intern will extract DNA, perform PCRs and learn genetics analyses techniques on small mammal genetic samples (n=850) to assess population genetic variation for these objectives:
1. Population Genetics: Quantify and compare baseline population genetic variation and differences in genetic variation and spatial structure in GAAR, KOVA (2014) and DENA (2014-2023) prior to Ambler Road construction.
2. Phylogenetics: Confirm field species identifications and search for presence of hybridization and/or expansion of cryptic species, a signal of climate change, in Alaska (DENA) and Brooks Ranges (GAAR, KOVA)
3. Contribute to outreach products: NRTR report summarizing all genetic diversity, movement, and demography results; resource brief summarizing project results; youth-produced video about the project.
POSITION IMPACT
We hope this rigorous study will guide the SIP Intern towards a science career through challenging and rewarding collaborative genetics research. Our team at USGS, UAF and NPS have collectively and successfully mentored other graduate students, SIP interns, and young professionals in scientific research, involving them in field work, lab research and science communication. The SIP Intern will be engaged in applied genetics research and science communication on pressing park management issues (Ambler Mining Road, climate change) facing premier wilderness parks in Alaska (Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park). The opportunity to work with different scientists in this collaborative team is exciting, as the team includes intelligent and skilled mentors who support intern success. The SIP Intern's research will be conducted in the Genetics Laboratory under Dr. Sarah Sonsthagen at University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Dr. Sonsthagen has years of genetics research expertise and mentoring experience from her work at USGS Alaska Science Center and University of Nebraska, Lincoln. PhD student, Sarah Swanson. will also mentor the SIP intern.
DELIVERABLES
Our team will collaboratively create a variety of science communication and outreach products to reach various audiences. An NPS National Research Technical Report (NRTR) will summarize annual progress on all genetic diversity, movement, and demography results. An NPS resource brief will summarize the project results for stakeholders and the public. We will collaborate with Projects in Motion, Alaska Teen Media Institute, and other interns (including SIP and SCA) to create a script for a youth-produced video to be developed about the project and housed on the NPS YouTube Channel.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
A strong interest in laboratory work. Any coursework and lab work in the following areas: Introduction to Genetics, Conservation Genetics, Population genetics, Application of genomics in conservation, Phylogenetics, Evolution, Ecology, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Biochemistry, previous laboratory work, previous lab safety training. Strong organizational skills and an appreciation of methodical, meticulous work.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. The applicant must be available to participate for 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
Laboratory safety training in (lab safety courses) are required and will be provided on-site. Job hazards include (chemicals, lab equipment, typical office safety -slips and lifting) in the laboratory environment.
Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and the second largest city in the state with an elevation of 358 m. It is culturally diverse and has been designated a refuge city. Lincoln is a regional center of government, commerce, finance, arts, education, and health care. It has extensive rail connections and an airport. There are also several notable museums and art galleries on the grounds of the University of Nebraska. The Nebraska Art Association, the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, and the Lincoln Community Playhouse provide cultural opportunities. Educational institutions include the University of Nebraska, Union College, Nebraska Wesleyan University and a campus of Southeast Community College. The University of Nebraska, Lincoln is the largest state university with over 26,000 students and has access to all amenities within a three-mile? radius of the college. Affordable student housing is available and abundant around the university.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant will not need to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The intern will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. Genetics research on small mammal samples from Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA), Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (GAAR) and Kobuk Valley National Park (KOVA) will be conducted in the Conservation Genetics Laboratory at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln USGS Coop Unit, directed by Dr. Sarah Sonsthagen (https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/staff/1867522), specializing in genomic and demographic connectivity across the landscape, adaptive capacity, and the influence of species biology in shaping spatial and temporal genomic diversity.
Apartments and room rentals around the University of Nebraska, Lincoln are reasonable, abundant and close to the university:
-1 bedroom studios or rooms: $330-700
-1 bedroom houses or apartments: $600-1400
-Average for 1 bedroom, 1bath house: $1000
-Average for 2 bedroom, 1-2 bath houses or apartments: $600-1800
KEYWORDS
Keywords, northern red-backed vole, wildlife population genetics, genetic diversity, Denali National Park and Preserve, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park and Preserve, Ambler Mining District Road
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per winter. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/