Research Professional 1

This lab research position is available starting August 2025 and is for performing research on managing invasive Japanese beetle (JB) and jumping worms (JW) through microbial biocontrol and biopesticides involving:

1. The use and refinement of a qPCR assay;
2. Detection of JB, JB pathogens/ jumping worms in MN state surveys;
3. Use of pheromone traps to disseminate the pathogen in lab studies; and
4. Comparison of current microbial and conventional insecticides on survival in standard acute toxicity tests for JB and JW.

JB research on biocontrol involves a native, microsporidian pathogen Ovavesicula popilliae that lines the malpighian tubules of adults and grubs and was discovered in Connecticut in 1985 by Andreadis. Females produce half the number of eggs when infected and overwintering mortality is around 32%.JW research is concerned with identifying how to manage them with chemicals in lab studies, greenhouse/field pot studies, and mulch/outdoor dirt piles.

Research will involve surveying and collecting adult JB in vineyards and hop farms and identifying the pathogen through qPCR. Also, the efficacy of microbial, conventional, and novel pesticides on JB and JW will be tested by LC50 studies. A lab website is available to read more details at https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu. The position will work with a PostDoc and supervise undergraduate researchers.

Research is seasonal, so responsibilities and percentages may change throughout the year.

Additional Duties Include:

• 5% Supervise undergraduate workers in the lab and field to perform research.
• 5% Communicate frequently with supervisors and colleagues about the status and progress of work being performed while taking action on feedback received
• 10% Collect adult and immature Japanese beetles and jumping worms from the field and raise colonies in the laboratory for conducting laboratory experiments on microbial control.
• 10% Perform lab work on microscope work dissecting JB guts and counting spores in JB guts, identifying JW to species, and taking pictures of JW
• 10% Perform lab work on processing and running samples for qPCR
• 20% Work on outreach educational programs and update the research and outreach websites.
• 40% Conduct standard toxicology tests under laboratory settings for comparing the efficacy of conventional insecticides and microbial insecticides in killing Japanese beetle and jumping worms.

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, forestry, ecology, biology, or related field, or a combination of related education and experience to equal 4 years in lab and field research-related work
• Ability to speak in front of groups of all ages
• Experience in managing lab undergraduates

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience communicating scientific topics to a variety of audiences.
• Strong communication skills
• Experience in Excel and PowerPoint, adding data and making simple graphs
• Experience with research
• MS

Pay Range: $23.50/hour - $26.50/hour ($48,880 - $55,120 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category:100% Appointment (12 month)

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).