Summer Part-Time Research Assistant-Tooker Lab

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• Summer research assistant positions for up to 16 weeks.
• Based in State College, PA, working 40 hours/week.
• Experience with greenhouse, lab, and field experiments encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Assist graduate students and faculty with current or new research projects.
• Gain experience in different research techniques and systems.
• As you gain experience, you will gain more independence in your responsibilities.

Job description

Job Description

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.

Research 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

Location, Hours & Compensation

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.

EEO & Diversity

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.

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.

Background Check

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