Ag Research Technician I - (Temporary Part-Time)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff, NE is seeking a Part-Time Temporary Ag Research Technician I to assist with field sampling and lab processing of plant and insect specimens.

Under the supervision of Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, you will count insects under a microscope, maintain field trials, and help with housekeeping tasks while collaborating with research technicians and graduate students on multiple projects, upholding research integrity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• One year of related experience.
• Ability to follow instructions and protocols for research activities.
• Ability to learn lab techniques to process plant and insect samples.
• Able to work in a team setting and independently on assigned tasks.
• Good communication skills and work ethics; understand research integrity.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research activities in the Entomology lab, including collecting samples in the field and processing plant and insect samples in the lab.
• Maintain field trials and housekeeping tasks such as cleaning lab supplies.
• Work under Dr. Pin-Chu Lai supervision while collaborating with other researchers on multiple projects.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Follow instructions

Independent work

Research integrity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Ag Research Technician I - (Temporary Part-Time)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title Ag Research Technician I - (Temporary Part-Time)

Department Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center-0942

Requisition Number S_260587

Posting Open Date 07/27/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/10/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

At the UNL Pandhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff, NE we innovate and conduct research to make life better for Nebraska ag producers and rural communities.
As a Part-Time, Temporary Ag Research Technician I, you will:

• Assist with research activities in the Entomology lab at UNL’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center ( PREEC ), which includes but is not limited to collecting samples in the field, counting insects under a microscope, processing plant and insect samples in the lab, maintaining field trials, and housekeeping tasks such as cleaning lab supplies in the lab.
• This position will be under the supervision of Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, assistant professor and extension entomologist at PREEC , while working with research technician and graduate students on multiple research project.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

Temporary employees may be appointed for a period of up to two years. Those appointed for more than six months are eligible for benefits from the beginning of the appointment, provided the position is half-time (.50 FTE ) or greater. Those appointed for six months or less are not eligible for benefits.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency plus one year of related experience
• Ability to follow instructions and protocols for research activities
• Ability to learn specific skills to process plant and insect samples, such as dissecting plant tissues and insect identification
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently while assigned to specific tasks
• Good communication skills and work ethics
• Understand the importance of research integrity

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Interest in entomology, crop protection, and ag research
• Experience in biological science activities
• Valid driver’s license and meet UNL driver's eligibility requirements

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience working with insects, plants, agriculture, lab research, or related work. Include the number of years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)

Job Type Part-Time Temporary

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes