Graduate Student Worker - Wildlife Field Technician - Winter 2026

East Stroudsburg University; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute is seeking a Graduate Student Wildlife Field Technician to support vector-borne disease research.

The role involves field work collecting ticks and other reservoir hosts, followed by DNA/RNA extractions and real-time PCR in the laboratory. Responsibilities include adhering to safety procedures, inputting data, performing molecular analyses, and helping prepare a manuscript for publication.

Qualifications

• Graduate student currently enrolled with at least 9 credit hours in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or Microbiology.
• Experience in DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Tick identification and DNA sequencing is preferred.
• Successful candidates will be self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work will be required.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to laboratory and field safety procedures.
• Collect and identify ticks in field and laboratory settings.
• Perform molecular analyses including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Input data into software and use statistical programs for analysis.
• Analyze data and contribute to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication.

Skills

PCR techniques

DNA extraction

Tick identification

Independent work

Education

Graduate student in Genetics/Molecular Biology/Biotechnology/Microbiology

Tools

DNA sequencing

PCR equipment

Job description

Graduate Student WildlifeField Technician (Graduate Student Worker) at the Dr. Jane Huffman WildlifeGenetics Institute

Job Description

The Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute is seeking a Graduate Student Wildlife Field Technician in our vector borne disease laboratory, collecting and testing ticks for disease agents. This is a unique opportunity to support research on vector borne disease. The candidate will conduct field work collecting ticks and other reservoir host for analysis. Following collections, the candidate will conduct DNA extractions and real-time PCR. Other duties will include importing scientific data and assisting with other field-related duties. The Graduate Student Lab Technician also will need to clean and calibrate equipment, measure compounds, and prepare solutions for use.

Responsibilities

• Responsible adherence to laboratory and field safety procedures
• Collecting and identifying ticks
• Carrying out scientific research using molecular techniques, such as DNA/RNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis
• Inputting data into computer programs and utilizing statistical software for analysis
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Preparing a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal

Required Skills

• A current Graduate student with a minimum of 9 credit hours in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Microbiology.
• Experience in DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Tick identification and DNA sequencing is preferred.
• Successful candidates will be self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work will be required.

Salary = $15.00/hour
40 hours/week