Student Research Technician Position in Entomology

Supervisor: Kelly Hamby

Position Description: The Hamby Lab in the Department of Entomology is hiring 2-3 student research technicians for Summer 2017. The Hamby lab performs basic and applied research in sustainable agriculture, working in multiple Mid-Atlantic agroecosystems with interests that include integrated pest management, invasive species, and insect-microorganism interactions (for more information, please visit our website at hambylab.weebly.com). The technician’s time will be split between field and lab work, with specific duties determined based on applicant experience and interest. Field work will be conducted at various sites across Maryland, including both university research stations and commercial farms. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting with maintaining insect colonies, culturing and identifying microorganisms, planting and maintaining experimental plots, harvesting crops, trapping insects, and assisting with data collection for both field and laboratory assays. In addition, the technician will assist with general laboratory maintenance. Technicians will work cooperatively with other lab members, and all training and transportation to off-campus sites will be provided. There will be opportunities to learn microbiology and molecular biology techniques (e.g., sterile culturing of microbes, PCR, etc.) if interest is shown. Positions will be full time (40 hours per week) during the summer, with opportunities for continued part-time employment throughout the academic year dependent on performance and interest.

Primary Responsibilities: These may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.) Weekly sampling at various field sites, followed by the processing of field samples.

2.) Collection and processing of plant, soil, and insect specimens from various field trials and experiments, as well as some insect identification.

3.) Isolation, culture, and identification of microorganisms from insects.

4.) Rearing and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies.

5.) Conducing laboratory behavioral assays to study the impacts of yeast and fungal microbes on Drosophila life history traits.

6.) Assisting with studies to measure spray coverage in Maryland brambles, including developing and processing spray cards, and setting up laboratory bioassays.

7.) Data entry and summarization according to standard laboratory protocols.

Note: Additional responsibilities may vary depending on individual interests and as research emphasis changes in each laboratory.

Requirements: Must be 18 years or older and a current student at the University of Maryland. A current Maryland driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. Background in biology or other life sciences, and experience in entomology, agriculture, or molecular biology is preferred but not necessary. Candidates should demonstrate an enthusiasm for working both outdoors and in a sterile lab environment. The incumbent must also be capable of driving a large work vehicle and be physically able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with: 1) Previous experience/employment in an academic laboratory environment, 2) insect rearing experience, 3) agricultural experience, 4) ability to work outdoors, potentially under harsh environmental conditions.

Closing Date. Review of applications will begin on May 5th, and will remain open until the positions are filled.

Applications. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV/resume, and a list of 3 references to Joshua Yeroshefsky (jyeroshefsky@gmail.com).

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.