Undergraduate Lab Assistant in Biology/Entomology - Boyle Lab
Part-timePenn State University
University Park, PAPart-time$15/hrPosted 1y agoStill listed today
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Job overview
The Boyle Lab seeks a highly motivated undergraduate to assist with a Spring 2025 research project investigating the sublethal and biological effects of pesticides on solitary bees. The work includes indoor trials with lab-reared Osmia cornifrons, pesticide exposure at different concentrations, and analysis of sperm vitality and ovary size. The position offers hands-on research experience and is expected to run from April through May, potentially continuing into summer.
Skills & qualifications
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Full job description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Boyle lab is seeking to hire a highly motivated undergraduate for Spring 2025 to assist with an exciting research project to investigate the sublethal and biological effects of pesticides to solitary bees. This project involves conducting a series of indoor trials using Osmia cornifrons species reared in the lab, exposing them to them to insecticide(s) at different concentrations and analyzing sperm vitality and ovary size of experimental bees. This study provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, microscopy, dissection and biological data analysis, while developing critical thinking and troubleshooting skills that will propel your college career and guide your future directions.
The position will start from April 2025 until May, and potentially through the summer if the student is interested. The expected commitment is 15-20 hours per week for $15/hour pay.
Areas: Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, Ecology
Mentors: Prof. Natalie Boyle and Dr. Jaya Sravanthi Mokkapati
Description of undergraduate’s responsibilities:
Job duties include
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Assist with lab work, including rearing bees.
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Contribute to controlled experiments to estimate sublethal effects of pesticides.
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Record and analyze bee survival data
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Data curation and entry; statistical analysis
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Assist in the preparation of research reports and potential publication(s).
Requirements:
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Good communication skills and working knowledge with Microsoft Office 365
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Previous experience with lab-based or toxicological research is preferred.
Apply with your CV or Resume and short statement of how this position supports your academic, research or professional interests. Questions can be directed to [email protected]
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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University Park, PA
How this job compares
Set against the 681 open Research Assistant jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 10, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$15/hr
- Pennsylvania median$12–16/hr38 hourly ranges
- US median$18–25/hr275 hourly ranges
This rate, $15/hr, is close to the Pennsylvania median midpoint ($15/hr) — in the middle half of Research Assistant hourly ranges in Pennsylvania.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 78 open Research Assistant jobs in Pennsylvania and 681 across the US. 4% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Pennsylvania
- Experience
- Research Assistant postings that state a minimum ask for 1 year of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 1 to 2 years (152 postings).
- Education
- 187 of the 681 open Research Assistant jobs (27%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 10, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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