A lab and field technician position is available to assist in research examining the diversity, evolution, genetics, and ecology of gall wasps and the plant galls they induce. The individual will monitor, sample, and curate emerging gall wasps from field-collected plant galls reared in the lab, and assist in collecting galls in the field to be used for lab research. The student will pursue an independent ecological research project examining seasonal shifts in gall inhabitants in the oak apple gall, from galler, to inquilines and parasitoids, to predator and scavenger communities housed in these galls. 

The position runs from mid-May and will continue into Fall 2021. The position will involve 5-15 hrs/wk during the academic year and 20-40 hrs./wk during the summer, with the number of hours negotiable. 

Applicants ideally will bepursuing an undergraduate degree at PSU in the biological sciences, with an interest in nature and it’s diversity and, ideally, interested in a career in research or science education. The student must have good attention to detail and organizational skills. Applicants with a GPA >3.0 preferred.  Experience (e.g., coursework) in Entomology is a plus. 

Interested applicants should submit a CV/Resume and cover letter stating interests and suitability to the project to psujobs REQ_00000122. Applications will start being reviewed April 15 and until the position is filled. The student will be mentored by a team of gall wasp researchers at PSU, including John Tooker (jft11@psu.edu), Andy Deans (ard19@psu.edu), Heather Hines (hmh19@psu.edu), and Antoine Guiguet (apg5659@psu.edu).