Entomology Research Assistant - Crookston, MN

Job classification:
Civil Service
Job code: 8351EG
Hourly rate: $24.65
Projected start date/end date:
October 26, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Name of supervisor:
Ian Mac Rae

Working title:

Research Assistant
Number of hours/week: 14.5 hours per week (36.25% time)

Location:

Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Crookston, MN

This is temporary posted civil service position. The position is open as early as mid-October 2026 and will continue through to the end of fall semester. Working hours may be adjusted due to seasonal demands, weather conditions, and special events.

This position has the responsibility of assisting in Entomology laboratory research trials at the UMN Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston, MN. The position is heavily weighted to laboratory and greenhouse tasks although some field work and local travel may occur. Other tasks may be assigned as needed.

• Preparing bioassays measuring insecticide resistance in field colonies
• Collecting, entering and preliminary data analyses of insect bioassays
• Maintenance, recording and oversight of insect laboratory colonies, including greenhouse plant production, insect colony planning, maintenance and monitoring
• Coordination and maintenance of a two-state insect trapping network, logistics and maintenance of traps, and sorting and limited identification of trapped insects
• Assist in training of undergraduate workers
• Additional tasks as needed

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
• Current driver's license (must be 18+ to drive University vehicles)
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, observational skills
• Ability to work and provide oversight in a team environment and/or work independently
• Ability to work in a wide range of indoor/outdoor conditions including heat, humidity, wind, and rain
• Ability to sit, kneel, stand, and bend frequently and lift 10-50 pounds repeatedly
• Candidates must be willing to travel to offsite trapping sites occasionally
• Experience in establishing and maintaining insect colonies
• Experience in sorting insect trap catch material

• Pay Range: $24.65 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
• Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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