The database developed through this REU internship will allow a diverse set of specialist collaborators to interact and contribute data to
a single online database. This internship is part of an NSF sponsored research project that is examining the evolutionary history of host
parasite associations between birds and their parasites. For example, we are studying toucans like this Keel-billed toucan, and its
parasites like these chewing lice. The database developed through this REU internship will allow a diverse set of specialist collaborators to interact and contribute data to a single online database.

Internship Position : BioSynC/Zoology
Department/IT Department

An REU internship in The Field Museum’s
Biodiversity Synthesis Center, Zoology Department,
and IT Department provides students with exceptional
experience working with Information Technology and
research staff to develop an online content
management system (CMS) based database for
curation, data management, and data dissemination for
host/parasite biodiversity survey data.

Job Description

Drs. Jason Weckstein and John Bates are looking for a self-motivated undergraduate student with experience in the content management system Drupal (http://drupal.org/). Experience working with Drupal views and the CCK (Content Construction Kit) module is essential. Knowedge of PHP and MySQL in the development of Drupal modules is highly
desirable. Experience theming Drupal sites would also be useful. We are looking for one qualified summer intern. Part time work could begin anytime this spring and could continue into the fall semester if funds are still available.

Please read through the job description and contact Jason Weckstein (contact information below) if potentially interested.

Job Duties (Responsibilities) Include:

-Help convert current content for a community louse research website (Phthiraptera.org) to a Drupal based Scratchpad (http://scratchpads.eu/node) site.
-Develop biodiversity survey and inventory CMS (Drupal) based database for curation, data management, and data dissemination of host-parasite biodiversity data.

Qualifications

This internship is designed for current undergraduate students with an interest in databases, web development, and potentially applications of these tools to biodiversity science. Detail oriented students with Drupal experience are preferred. Student should possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and a proven track record of prioritizing and completing multiple assignments in a team environment. An hourly stipend will be available for this internship.

To apply for this internship, please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Jason Weckstein
at jweckstein@fieldmuseum.org