About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Support research on biological control of polyphagous shot hole borer. Research associated with this position will take place at the USDA APHIS Forest Pest Methods Laboratory located on the Joint Base Cape Cod in Buzzards Bay, MA. The technician will be an employee of the University of Massachusetts funded through a cooperative agreement. Research will occur both in a laboratory quarantine facility and in forests across Massachusetts.

Essential Functions

Examples of duties:

• Initiate and maintain a variety of insect colonies including the polyphagous shot hole borer and related species (Euwallacea fornicatus species complex), its associated parasitoids, and non-target ambrosia beetles collected locally, so that sufficient numbers of these insects are available during specified periods in order to conduct experiments.
• Carry out experimental protocols developed by the supervisor on polyphagous shot hole borer and its parasitoids.
• Ensure that proper equipment is used and is operational both before and after conducting experiments.
• Assist with sorting and identifying ambrosia beetle species collected from field sites across Massachusetts.
• Record rearing and emergence data and create and maintain spreadsheets for data entry.
• Assist with analysis of data as appropriate; generate graphs and summary reports as requested.
• Drive to and conduct field work at various field sites in Massachusetts. Field work consists of deploying insect traps and collecting live or dead insects from those traps. It may also include collecting plant material on which to rear insects in the laboratory.
• Field work may occur any time of year in either heat or cold, there may be biting insects or poison ivy, and the terrain may be uneven. The employee will be responsible for ensuring that all equipment necessary for field work is available and well maintained.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A Bachelor’s Degree in biological science or related field.
• At least one (1) years’ experience in a biological science laboratory and some experience conducting field research.
• A valid driver’s license (will need to drive USDA vehicle from lab to field and back).
• Experience in the use of database software and general aptitude for using a computer.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience in entomology and biological control.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Capable of carrying at least 20 pounds for approximately 0.5 miles.

Additional Details

• This position will be based at the USDA-APHIS Lab in Buzzards Bay, MA 02542.
• Per the USDA, no foreign nationals are qualified for the position.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, 40 hours per week, 100% FTE.

Salary Information

Salary to commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit a letter of application, resume and contact information for three professional references. Search may remain open until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.