Graduate Research Assistant - Entomology

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 :

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY : This position does not have supervisory responsibility.   OTHER DUTIES :   Other related duties as assigned.   QUALIFICATIONS :

WORKING CONDITIONS :

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.