🚀 go-pugleaf

I am seeking two research assistants in a study on the effects of
polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure on the development and
reproduction of captive American kestrels.  Assistants are needed
from 1 April 1998 to 1 Sept. 1998, although theses can be somewhat
flexible.  A brief description of the study follows:

     The endocrine function (as both hormonal mimics and antagonists) of
  many environmental contaminants has been emphasized recently, leading to
  the speculation that exposure to these chemicals during early development
  could lead to functional impairment later in life.  Particularly important
  is the possibility that contaminants interfere with sex-steroid metabolism
  (estrogens have been most widely studied),  since when hormone levels are
  altered during critical stages of embryonic and post-hatching development,
  the results can be abnormal maturation of the reproductive tract, abnormal
  endocrine function and poor reproductive capability as mature organisms.
  Exposure during early life stages need not be high to exert effects, as the
  detoxification and excretion functions are not yet fully developed.  Thus,
  concentrations tolerated by parents might be highly toxic to developing
  offspring, although reproductive effects on offspring may not be apparent
  until sexual maturation.  This study tests the hypothesis that
  trans-generational exposure to PCBs can impair later reproductive
  performance of offspring, and is associated with abnormal development of
  the reproductive system and endocrine function in American kestrels.

The volunteer will be involved in all phases of the project, including daily
data collection and husbandry of the kestrels, periodic measurements of
growing chicks, and collection of eggs and chicks for residue analysis.  Good
work habits and ability to communicate are very important; the volunteer must
be someone who can take general direction, discuss the procedures, be
motivated enough to work carefully on their own and with initiative to solve
some of the methodological issues that always come up. This is an excellent
opportunity for someone to participate in a scientific study related to
environmental protection.

The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center is a federal research lab (of the U.S.
Geological Service, Department of the Interior) located in Maryland about 12
miles N of Washington, D.C., on a 12,000 acre research wildlife refuge.
Several different areas of research are carried out here including study of
the ecological effects of environmental contaminants, migratory birds and
their habitat use, and endangered species biology including captive
propagation.  There are roughly 50 scientists and 200 employees overall at
Patuxent.  Housing for volunteers is available, along with reimbursement of
living expenses. There is no local public transportation from Patuxent to
shopping areas so a car is desirable.

Please send (electronic or surface mail) resume and a letter to:


     John Brand French, Jr., Ph.D.               email: JOHN_B_FRENCH@USGS.GOV
     Patuxent Wildlife Research Center           tel: (301) 497-5702
     USGS - Biological Resources Division        fax: (301) 497-5744
     12011 Beech Forest Rd.
     Laurel, MD     20708-4041