Part-Time Frog Research Assistant
The Bletz Lab at the Pennsylvania State University seeks undergraduate students to assist with multiple aspects of amphibian research, particularly the captive breeding of Madagascar frogs.
Job duties may include:
- Participate in amphibian research projects
- Design and set up breeding plans for frogs
- Maintenance of amphibian housing
- Recording breeding behavior
- Contribute to daily amphibian care and health monitoring
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive.
The Bletz Lab is located in Madagascar, where mid-high elevation rainforest is climatically favorable to Bd (Lötters et al. 2008). This pathogen has spread rapidly around the world, making it crucial to develop disease mitigation strategies like skin probiotics for amphibian conservation.
To accomplish this, we have established a colony of Madagascar frogs, representing 14 species. Our current focus is on developing effective ways to captively-breed selected species, maintaining tadpoles, and producing viable froglets. Additionally, we are interested in observing and recording breeding behaviors for these under-studied species.
For additional information on our lab’s work, visit our website. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Molly Bletz at molly.bletz@psu.edu.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.