Biology SENSE lab: Summer Student

Description

Location: CWRU University Farm

Timeline: Summer: May – August 2026

Commitment: 20 hours/week 

The Project: Join the SENSE Lab this summer for a landscape level study on how artificial light at night (ALAN) and habitat complexity influence moth communities. This project uses a combination of UV bucket traps, Malaise traps and moth boxes to compare insect diversity across different farm micro-habitats.

Responsibilities

● Field Deployment: Assist in setting up and maintaining bucket traps, Malaise traps and moth boxes across various farm habitats (woodland edges, meadows, and ecotones).

● Night Operations: Conduct field visits during late evening and night hours to activate traps and monitor environmental conditions.

● Specimen Collection: Collect, label, and transport insect specimens back to the lab for processing and identification

● Data Entry: Assist in logging light levels (ELF measurements) and environmental data (humidity/temp). 

 

Salary rate = $14.00 / hour

Qualifications

● Valid Driver’s License (Mandatory): Must be comfortable driving to and from the University Farm during late-night hours. 

● Having a mode of transportation (car) would be preferred but not mandatory

● Interest in Biology: Prior coursework or interest in entomology, ecology, or environmental science is a plus, but not required. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.