Part-Time Summer Research Assistant for the Oak Project - Kersch-Becker Lab

Part-Time Summer Research Assistant - Kersch-Becker Lab

The College of Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Entomology is seeking applicants for Part-Time Summer Research Assistant - Kersch-Becker Lab.

Job duties to include:

• Research focus: Effects of prescribed fire, ecosystem engineers and phyllosphere microbial diversity on spongy moth control and oak conservation
• Research will include: fieldwork (planting, recording arthropods on plants, assisting in experimental setup), conduct laboratory analyses (DNA extraction), working with insects/arthropods. Process and analyze plant, insect, and microbial samples.
• Maintain detailed records of field and laboratory data, ensuring data quality and organization for analysis.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and publications by synthesizing research findings.
• Candidates must be enthusiastic and self-motivated, detail oriented, willing to work flexible hours, enjoy working in the lab and outside, and be able to work independently.

Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:

• The work would be primarily at the Kersch-Becker Lab at the Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building on the University Park campus, at Rock Springs Research station and on PA forest around Centre county.
• 30-40 hours per week for short-term periods, specific working times are flexible.
• Most work will be restricted to weekdays and normal working hours but there may be occasional data collection events that require weekends or odd hours.
• The person in this position will primarily be working with Dr. Monica Kersch-Becker. We do expect the employee to eventually work mostly independently on some tasks, such as data collection in the field and plant/arthropod colony care. Helpful, timely, and respectful communication with all personnel involved in the research is very important. There will also be many opportunities to interact with the other researchers in the Department of Entomology, maintaining a productive and respectful environment in the lab is necessary. Great opportunity to build your resume and gain research experience.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $18/hour.