Subject: Student Research Technician

Description:
Title: Student Research Technician
Location: College Park, MD
Department: Entomology
Supervisor: Kelly Hamby


Position Description: The Hamby Lab in the Department of Entomology is hiring
2-3 student research technicians for Summer 2017. The Hamby lab performs
basic and applied research in sustainable agriculture, working in multiple
Mid-Atlantic agroecosystems with interests that include integrated pest
management, invasive species, and insect-microorganism interactions (for more
information, please visit our website at hambylab.weebly.com). The
technician’s time will be split between field and lab work, with specific
duties determined based on applicant experience and interest. Field work will
be conducted at various sites across Maryland, including both university
research stations and commercial farms. The successful applicant will be
responsible for assisting with maintaining insect colonies, culturing and
identifying microorganisms, planting and maintaining experimental plots,
harvesting crops, trapping insects, and assisting with data collection for
both field and laboratory assays. In addition, the technician will assist
with general laboratory maintenance. Technicians will work cooperatively with
other lab members, and all training and transportation to off-campus sites
will be provided. There will be opportunities to learn microbiology and
molecular biology techniques (e.g., sterile culturing of microbes, PCR, etc.)
if interest is shown. Positions will be full time (40 hours per week) during
the summer, with opportunities for continued part-time employment throughout
the academic year dependent on performance and interest.

Primary Responsibilities:  These may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1.)  Weekly sampling at various field sites, followed by the processing of
field samples. 2.) Collection and processing of plant, soil, and insect
specimens from various field trials
and experiments, as well as some insect identification.
3.) Isolation, culture, and identification of microorganisms from insects.
4.) Rearing and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies.
5.) Conducing laboratory behavioral assays to study the impacts of yeast and
fungal microbes on Drosophila life history traits.
6.) Assisting with studies to measure spray coverage in Maryland brambles,
including developing and processing spray cards, and setting up laboratory
bioassays.
7.) Data entry and summarization according to standard laboratory protocols.

Note: Additional responsibilities may vary depending on individual interests
and as research emphasis changes in each laboratory.

Requirements: Must be 18 years or older and a current student at the
University of Maryland. A current Maryland driver’s license with a clean
driving record is required. Background in biology or other life sciences, and
experience in entomology, agriculture, or molecular biology is

preferred but not necessary. Candidates should demonstrate an enthusiasm for
working both outdoors and in a sterile lab environment. The incumbent must
also be capable of driving a large work vehicle and be physically able to
lift at least 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with: 1)
Previous experience/employment in an academic laboratory environment, 2)
insect rearing experience, 3) agricultural experience, 4) ability to work
outdoors, potentially under harsh environmental conditions.
Closing Date. Review of applications will begin on May 5th, and will remain
open until the positions are filled.

Applications. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV/resume,
and a list of 3 references to Joshua Yeroshefsky ([log in to unmask]).

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of
equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee
or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical
or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status,
genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or
expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.


Contact Person: Joshua Yeroshefsky
Contact Email: [log in to unmask]