Graduate Research Assistant - Entomology

TITLE: Graduate Research Assistant

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator

CLASSIFICATION: Student/ Part-Time

EFFECTIVE DATE: Spring 2026

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 20 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Part-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Stipend

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in Entomology will support the research and extension mission of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources by assisting with field and laboratory research on companion planting for the control of sweet corn pests as part of a USDA Evans Allen–funded project. The GRA will participate in insect collection, identification, and rearing, conduct literature reviews, manage data, and contribute to analyses using qualitative and quantitative methods. Additional responsibilities include contributing to manuscript preparation for publication, presenting research at professional meetings, and supporting outreach and Extension programming.

The GRA will support a wide range of research and extension activities that advance sustainable and equitable agricultural outcomes. This includes conducting field and laboratory research, contributing to stakeholder engagement, preparing reports, and collaborating with faculty and research associates. The position requires strong professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple tasks in a dynamic research environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Design and conduct research on insects of native perennial plants.
• Design and conduct research on insect pests and parasitoids of sweet corn.
• Collect, identify, and rear insects relevant to research objectives.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize scientific findings.
• Manage and analyze research data using statistical software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Develop manuscripts, technical summaries, and reports related to research activities.
• Contribute to grant progress reporting, project evaluation metrics, and stakeholder engagement.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings, workshops, and Extension/outreach events.
• Participate in lab meetings and collaborative initiatives within the research team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of research design, techniques, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of insect taxonomy, systematics, and rearing techniques.
• Knowledge of scientific literature review processes and research documentation methods.
• Knowledge of data presentation and visualization methods.
• Ability to accurately interpret and analyze experimental data.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory and field equipment.
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records of research activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Entomology, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A valid driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• May require regular exposure to hazards associated with biological and chemical research.
• May require working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Work may involve exposure to dirt, dust, loud noise, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
• Requires moderate to strenuous physical activity, including lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing 25 pounds or more.
• Requires following established laboratory and field sa