Entomology Research Technician Position

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Student Research Technician
Location: College Park, MD
Department: Entomology
Supervisor: Kelly Hamby

Position Description: The Hamby Lab in the Department of Entomology is hiring 2-3 paid
student research technicians for the 2019-2020 school year. The Hamby lab performs basic and
applied research in sustainable agriculture, working in multiple Mid-Atlantic agroecosystems
with topics that include integrated pest management, insecticide usage, invasive species, and
insect-microorganism interactions (for more information, please visit our website at
hambylab.weebly.com).

The technician’s time will be spent mostly on lab work with the option of occasional field 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, conducting laboratory assays, planting and maintaining experimental plots, 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. Positions will be part time throughout the academic year
dependent on performance, interest, and availability.

Primary Responsibilities: These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Rearing and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies including aphids, parasitic
wasps, lady beetles and corn earworm.
2) Conducting laboratory assays to study the impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides on
aphid and parasitic wasp life history traits.
3) Dissecting soybean stems and other duties for study with dectes stem borer, a
beetle pest of soybean.
4) Data entry and summarization according to standard laboratory protocols.
Note: Additional responsibilities may vary depending on individual interests and as
research emphasis changes in 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,
and 3) agricultural experience

Closing Date. Review of applications will begin on September 16th 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 Aditi Dubey (aditid@umd.edu) and Maria Cramer (mec@umd.edu).

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.