Pollinator Ecology and Behavior Lab Research Assistant

Title: Pollinator Ecology and Behavior Lab Research Assistant

Job description: The McCabe Lab at the USDA ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit is hiring undergraduate research assistants to work in the lab and field during the summer full time 40 hrs/week Starting May 1 through the summer with potential for extension after August. Research assistants in the McCabe Lab contribute to research related to solitary bee biology, ecology and behavior, though activities and topics vary with each semester and summer. Specific activities happening in the lab at this time of this posting are in the following list, we have a wide variety of both field and molecular work: collecting bee samples, insect curation, bee observations, mapping bee development, x-raying bees, plant care, field work in logan canyon, potential for paid travel to other locations for field work, DNA extractions, PRC, and other molecular techniques; and supporting the PI and graduate students with experiments. Research assistants employed for > 1 semester in the lab will also be supported in developing independent lines of inquiry, if desired.

Pay rate: $15 -20/hour depending on experience

Commitment:; 40 hrs/week during summer; 20 hrs/week during the academic year

Location: USDA Bee Lab (located on campus next to the research greenhouses), Summer activities include fieldwork in Logan or in other locations across the western United States.

Application review date: Immediately, interviews will occur April 20, 2026

Job requirements: Be able to work the required hours/week. A US citizen with a valid Utah driver’s license / comfort driving at least locally, and potentially regional (Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona) will be important (government vehicles are available). Attention to detail, organizational skills, communication skills, and ability to follow directions are necessary for this position. Comfort asking questions / clarifying directions is a must. Prior experience with bees or insects is a benefit but not a requirement. Students with interest in building a multi-semester /year relationship would be preferred.