Part-Time Research Assistant - Tooker Lab

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking part-time research assistants for the Tooker Lab, focusing on ecological studies involving plants, insects, and pest management. This opportunity offers competitive wages and practical experience in research methods, with positions potentially up to 40 hours/week during summer. Applicants are encouraged to be curious and motivated individuals eager to learn.

Qualifications

• Open to diverse applicants interested in ecology, agriculture, and research
• No specific background required, though interests in animals and plants are welcome

Responsibilities

• Assist with greenhouse, lab, and field experiments related to ecology
• Gain experience with various research techniques and responsibilities

Skills

Curiosity

Motivation

Interest in ecology

Education

Current student or recent graduate in a relevant field

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Tooker Lab in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University Park is now accepting applications for part-time research assistant positions. Start and end dates are negotiable, and work has potential to be up to 40 hours/week during the summer. Our research group studies ecology of plants, plant-feeding insects and slugs, and spiders and predatory insects in agricultural and natural systems. Our projects this summer will focus on:

1. Ecologically based management (e.g., biological control) of crop pests

2. The role of cover crops in pest control

3. Plants that can "smell" their attackers and then defend themselves

4. The influence of agrochemicals on aquatic insect communities

Work will be performed in the State College area. Successful applicants will be paid a competitive hourly wage and will help graduate students and faculty with the new and ongoing research projects. We conduct greenhouse, lab, and field experiments and assistants will gain experience in different types of research techniques and systems. As assistants gain experience, they will gain more independence in their responsibilities. Interests in animals, plants, and agriculture are welcome but not required. We are looking for a diverse group of summer assistants who are curious and motivated with desire to learn new details about the world around us!

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines