Temporary Entomology Researcher — Field & Lab

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plans

Retirement plans

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a motivated researcher to coordinate laboratory and field research examining insecticide compatibility with the winsome fly, a parasitoid of the Japanese beetle. This 100% full-time, grant-funded position runs through December 2028 and requires in-person work in the Twin Cities.

Responsibilities include coordinating insect collection and rearing, conducting bioassays, data management, and communicating findings to scientific and practitioner audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in entomology, biology, horticulture, or a closely related field plus at least two years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant work experience equal to at least 6 years.
• Experience conducting entomological laboratory or field research.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate research records, follow experimental protocols, and organize research activities.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate collection, maintenance, and rearing of Japanese beetles and winsome flies.
• Implement standardized insecticide bioassays evaluating host mortality and parasitoid development.
• Maintain overwintering cohorts and document parasitoid pupariation, survival, and adult emergence.
• Maintain research protocols, biological material inventories, and laboratory records.
• Coordinate seasonal insect collections and monitor beetle and winsome fly phenology.
• Establish and maintain field insecticide trials at cooperating locations.
• Assess beetle abundance, plant feeding injury, and insecticide residue persistence.
• Coordinate field logistics and undergraduate research assistance as appropriate.
• Maintain research databases and conduct preliminary statistical analyses.
• Interpret results in collaboration with the research team.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, research reports, and conference presentations.
• Participate in regular project meetings and research planning.
• Assist with consultations involving growers, land managers, and horticultural practitioners.
• Contribute to development of practical, research-based Japanese beetle management recommendations.

Skills

Entomology

Laboratory research

Field research

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in entomology or related field

MS degree preferred

Job description

The University of Minnesota seeks a motivated researcher to coordinate laboratory and field research examining insecticide compatibility with the winsome fly, a parasitoid of the Japanese beetle. This 100% full-time, grant-funded position runs through December 2028 and requires in-person work in the Twin Cities.

Responsibilities include coordinating insect collection and rearing, conducting bioassays, data management, and communicating findings to scientific and practitioner audiences.