Research Associate In Apiculture

 TITLE: Research Associate in Apiculture 

DEPARTMENT: Land Grant Program                          

REPORTS TO: Associate Pro, Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences 

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:   Full-time.           

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt                                                            

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

 

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

                                    

SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of an Associate Professor and in collaboration with a Senior Research Associate, the Research Associate in Honey Bee Health will be a member of a laboratory focused on investigating biotic and abiotic environmental stressors that affect honey bees. As part of this role, the hire will primarily be responsible for maintaining honey bee colonies, conducting apiculture trials in the field and in cages, and assist the Senior Associate in wet lab experiments using molecular and omics technologies. Bottom of Form

 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute honey bee field trials. 
• Conduct honey bee caged trials in laboratory settings.
• Collect trial data. 
• Maintain detailed data in the appropriate spreadsheet layout. 
• Maintain a laboratory notebook. 
• Care for honey bee hives in the field. 
• Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students. 
• Support and participate in honey bee schools and workshops. 
• Assist in wet lab experiments using molecular biology protocols, such as RNA extraction and qPCR.
• Occasionally travel as required to support collaborative projects. 

 

OTHER DUTIES: 

Perform other related duties as necessary.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. in Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Life Sciences, or a related field; or a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with a minimum of 3 years' experience in Apiculture. 
• Experience in maintaining honey bee colonies is required. 
• Experience in molecular techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR is a plus.

 

Licensing and Certifications: NA

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:   

• Strong aptitude for working independently are imperative.
• Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and coordinating tasks. 
• Capability to create, compose, and edit written scientific materials. 
• Proactive initiative, resourcefulness, and punctuality.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

Overseeing students with the guidance of the immediate supervisor

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Most work will be performed in an interior lab and in the field at a farm.

Will require working outdoors in hot environments in bee protective clothing.

Must be able to lift 75+ pounds to perform beekeeping tasks.

Will be exposed to stinging honey bees.

 

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to ApplyApplicants 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

 

 

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. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.