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Graduate Research Assistant - Entomology
Frankfort, United States
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 safety procedures and using provided personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Field and laboratory environments with potential exposure to chemicals, insects, and environmental hazards.
- Extended periods of standing, walking, or performing manual tasks.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, applicants must:
-
Submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Transcript(s)
- Statement of Purpose (2–3 pages)
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Apply to the Master of Environmental Studies (MEST) graduate program using the following link: https://apply.kysu.edu/residential.
- Email the required documents listed above to graduate.studies@kysu.edu. Applicants may also upload the same documents in ADP when applying for this position.
Note: Applicants must be academically accepted into the MEST graduate program prior to receiving a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) offer.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
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