Seasonal technicians in entomology/agroecology at Purdue University (Indiana)
Come join the Kaplan Insect Ecology Lab<https://carnation-porcupine-9zf4.squarespace.com/> at Purdue University<https://ag.purdue.edu/department/entm/> for an exciting summer at the confluence of entomology and agroecology! We are looking for two full-time, seasonal technicians to explore diverse projects in pest management, crop pollination, and insect biodiversity from May to September/October 2024. To apply: Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest, a current CV and contact information for two references to Zeus Mateos (zmate...@purdue.edu<mailto:zmate...@purdue.edu>). What we offer: * Opportunities to gain hands-on experience in agricultural systems * Projects spanning diverse topics and novel technologies * Field and lab experience including insect surveys, insect pinning, insect rearing and data entry * Travel to field locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa with covered expenses * Vehicle provided or gas expenses reimbursed for in-state tasks * Over-night stays at out-of-state sites, all expenses covered Compensation: * $18 per hour Duties include (project dependent): * Surveying for natural enemies using pitfall traps and acoustic monitors * Recording natural enemies and pollinators on watermelon plants * Infesting watermelon plants with spider mites and monitoring pest densities over the season * Aiding in the harvesting of watermelon and assessing marketable traits * Surveying for pests in high tunnel crops and assessing feeding damage * Applying and sampling to determine the persistence of biocontrol agents * Pollinating flowers and harvesting fruit * Collecting and analyzing pollen from bees * Environmental DNA extractions * Processing field samples in the lab and entering data Requirements: Essential * Undergraduate degree in Entomology, Ecology, Agriculture or a related field (completed or pending) * Valid driver’s license * Flexible working hours * Accuracy in recording field data * Ability to work independently * Committed, motivated and enthusiastic * Versatile in performing different tasks * Willingness and ability to work outdoors in hot weather Desirable (project dependent) * Ability to identify pollinators, natural enemies and pests – training will be provided * Experience with ecological surveys * Familiarity with acoustic monitoring * Ability to pin insects * Experience with pollen analysis * Experience with DNA extraction, PCR and metabarcoding techniques Best, Zeus ________________________________________________ Zeus Mateos Postdoctoral Research Associate Department of Entomology / Purdue University ✉ zmate...@purdue.edu<mailto:zmate...@purdue.edu> ☎ (765) 496-1573 [cid:3aa77aec-173a-498a-ad12-dde5097b3bbc] Smith Hall B71, 901 Mitch Daniels Blvd, West Lafayette, IN 47907 To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
