Washington State University, in cooperation with the Yakima Area Research Laboratory of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, is recruiting 2 Research Assistants to assist with field studies to develop insect chemical lures and optimize attract-and-kill pest management in the Yakima Valley of Washington. The primary insects of current concern are the codling moth, brown marmorated stink bug, cutworm moth, and various social wasps. The general objectives of the work is to identify chemical attractants for pest insect species, and then optimize those attractants for use in integrated pest management. This work includes a variety of laboratory assays, as well as field experiments. The field work requires long, often tedious periods of physical labor including walking, squatting, lifting, bending and carrying 20+ pounds. This position requires basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, scientific methods and the ability to apply knowledge to an analytical situation. Knowledge of, or experience with, handling and identifying insects is desired. While the primary research duties will consist of placing, maintaining and monitoring of traps, data management, and crop damage assessments; the work may also require low magnification microscopy, insect rearing, and general laboratory chemistry.
Yakima Valley has a semi-arid climate with summer temperatures occasionally above 90º F and rarely topping 100º F. It is located about 60 miles SE of Mt. Rainer, 2.5 hours E of Seattle, and 3 hours NE of Portland, OR. Research assistants will be expected to work 40 hrs a week, with work days starting near sunrise in the heat of summer. The ideal research assistant will have an interest in applied entomology, biology or be interested in experiencing large scale field research. The applicants should also work well independently, and as part of a team, be highly motivated, detail oriented, and be in excellent physical fitness. Transportation to work and housing will not be provided. Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to co-author publications based on the level of their involvement on specific research projects. Compensation · Salary: $ 2144-2693/month DOE · Health and dental benefits Timeline 10 April – 8 October 2016 (26-week appointment) Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree – or coursework and relevant experience – in Entomology, Biology, Ecology, Agronomy, Botany, Analytical Chemistry or other related field • Experience in following established protocols for field data collection and management • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, and Excel • Ability to work long hours in potentially harsh environments • Clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate an off-road vehicle, as well as a 4WD pickup on paved and unpaved roads • U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status How to Apply Interested applicants should forward a brief cover letter (< 1 page), their résumé, and contact information of three professional references in a single .pdf document to Richard Zack ([email protected]). Please indicate “Field Entomologist Position” in your email subject line. Deadline to apply: March 1, 2016. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so applicants may be selected before March 1st.
