Summer Part-Time Research Assistant-Tooker Lab

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in State College seeks summer research assistants to support various ecological research projects. This position offers hands-on experience in greenhouse, lab, and field experiments, ideal for motivated individuals interested in plants, animals, and agriculture. The role includes assisting graduate students and faculty with ongoing research and allows for increased independence as experience is gained. A competitive hourly wage will be provided, and the position starts in early May 2024.

Qualifications

• No specific educational qualifications required.
• Desire to learn about ecology and agriculture is preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and learn new research techniques

Responsibilities

• Assist with greenhouse, lab, and field experiments.
• Collaborate with graduate students and faculty on research projects.
• Gain experience in research techniques and systems.
• Gain independence in responsibilities as experience grows

Skills

Curiosity

Motivation to learn

Interest in ecology

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, see Notice 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 summer research assistant positions to work 40 hours per week for up to 16 weeks over the summer. The position is set to begin in early May 2024 and continue into August, but start and end dates are negotiable. 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:

• Ecologically-based management (e.g., biological control) of crop pests
• The role of cover crops in pest control
• Plants that can "smell" their attackers and then defend themselves
• The influence of agrochemicals on aquatic insect communities

This position is based in State College over the summer. Successful applicants will be paid a competitive hourly wage and will help graduate students and faculty with their 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. Interest 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!

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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.

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

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

University Park, PA