About This Role:

A research assistant position is available in laboratories of Dr. Tania Kim and Dr. Brian Spiesman in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. This is a 12 month, non-tenure, fulltime unclassified position. We are looking for a researcher to help with projects related to understanding pollinator ecology in KS and sustainable solutions to bee health. One of the biggest obstacles to the study of bee ecology and health management is proper identification. The identification process is time consuming, costly, and creates a research bottleneck. Computer vision, assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that has been transformative in many fields but not yet widely adopted in entomology. Research in our labs has demonstrated that computer vision can help alleviate this bottleneck by automatically identifying bees in images. We seek an individual that can assist with this project by sampling bees across Kansas, travel to museums and research lab collections to image specimens and work with taxonomists to identify specimens in Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Iowa.
Responsibilities: collect insect and plant samples over the summer, process insect samples during the fall and winter semesters, and assist with building computer vision technologies to identify insects including travelling to museums to collect images of pinned specimens, database management, and computer programing. Opportunities to mentor students are available if the researcher wishes to gain teaching/mentoring experience.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.Sc. in entomology, biology, conservation, or closely related field.
• Strong technical expertise in lab and field settings.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A valid US driver’s license.
• Experience in insect ecology research, supervisory experience, strong statistical and spatial modelling abilities, programing skills. 

Other Requirements: 

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening of applications begin March 13, 2023, and continues until a suitable candidate is found.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$18.13/hour ($37,704 annually)

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.