Exciting news! This summer, we will be excavating two small test deposits from caves in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, primarily working in the park during the month of June. I need to hire an archeological monitor who would be responsible for monitoring the excavations for the presence of archeological materials. The monitor would need to be a qualified archeologist (per 36 CFR Part 61; https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm) or working under the oversight of a qualified archeologist. The field work will be tough but fun* – we will be working in caves, which will involve (at times) crawling on belly or hands and knees, tight squeezes, and work in dark and enclosed spaces.

Know anyone who might be interested? If so, please contact Jessica Blois (jblois@ucmerced.edu) to learn more about the work. We are still in the initial stages of figuring out the hiring process, but I have more details about the work itself.

*though if you hate caves or dark spaces, this will be less fun for you!

There are at least two positions available this summer, to work with various members of the lab.

• Summer field and lab assistant working with Professor Jessica Blois. (Full time for the summer, in Merced and Sequoia National Park)
• The Mesocarnivore Summer Research Program with postdoctoral scholar Dr. Mairin Balisi. (6 week internship, in Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum)

You can see fuller descriptions of the opportunities on the Undergrad Opportunities page!

The Blois Paleoecology Lab is recruiting a postdoc to help develop ancient DNA and phylogenetics projects focusing on understanding the dynamic population genetic changes that happened within mammals (particularly small mammals) through the late Quaternary. The postdoc will be responsible for developing original research projects in addition to contributing to the development and maintenance of the molecular lab. Ongoing projects in the lab use species distribution modeling, community modeling, and paleoecological tools to understand the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping populations, species, and communities across time and space, particularly focusing on fossil small mammal and pollen communities during the late Quaternary. Applications will be reviewed starting June 30th, but the position is open until filled. Please contact Jessica (jblois@ucmerced.edu) for additional information.

For full position information and to apply to the position, see the job ad here.