PAID POSITION: Undergraduate Research Technician CMNS, Entomology
Summer 2026 | College Park, MD
www.hambylab.com
The Hamby lab is seeking motivated undergraduate scientists to help support diverse projects throughout our lab.
The Hamby lab focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), which is a comprehensive science-based approach to manage pest problems, aiming to provide economic solutions that farmers and growers actually utilize. The Hamby lab primarily works on field crops and small fruits, employing a variety of techniques, including biocontrol, monitoring, and trapping, among others. Some of our current research includes slug monitoring in early planted soybeans, parasitoid wasp releases for control of spotted-wing drosophila, and studies of corn earworm lifecycle and pesticide resistance. We work extensively both in the field and in the lab. To read up on some of our research, lab expectations, and see pictures of what we do, visit our website at https://www.hambylab.com/research.html
Primary responsibilities:
Hourly research technicians are expected to carefully collect and enter data, work outdoors, handle insects and slugs, process a variety of insect and plant samples, and maintain colonies.
Previous experience is not required, but applicants should be hard-working, enthusiastic, and willing to handle live and dead insect specimens. Training is provided. This is a paid position.
Professional development opportunities can be provided to interested employees, including but not limited to participation in lab meetings, career advice, feedback on CV or resume, and opportunities to publish extension articles.
Required qualifications:
1. Available to work 20-40 hours a week during the summer
2. Attention to detail and careful data collection during repetitive tasks 3. Possession of a U.S. driver’s license with good driving record
4. Currently a student of UMD and enrolling in the fall semester
5. Interest in science, agriculture, and/or entomology
6. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
7. Compliance with UMD, department, and lab safety guidelines
8. Good organizational and communication skills
Compensation will be $15 hourly. Positions will remain open until filled.
To apply, please send the following to lab managers: Arthur Young and Shea Ill, and CC graduate student: Emma Hotchkiss
(ayoungsm@umd.edu, sill@umd.edu, emhotch@umd.edu)
1. A short cover letter with professional goals and interests in the body of an e-mail 2. A resume or CV of past work or volunteer experience
3. Contact information for two references that can speak to your previous experience and work ethic
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.