The Agricultural Entomology Lab at University of Delaware is now accepting applicants for an MS student position focused on waste upcycling with insects.
In the United States, roughly 1/3 of food is discarded, filling landfills and wasting precious resources. Insects and the microbes they associate with represent a promising means to harness this waste and return it to food systems in the form of food and feed. The Agricultural Entomology Lab at UD is looking to bring on an enthusiastic Masters student to optimize performance of two insects on waste substrates and investigate changes in beneficial and pathogenic microbes during waste upcycling.
Candidates are expected to start their graduate program in Spring 2023.
Required qualifications
• A BSc in Entomology, Ecology, Evolution, Agricultural Sciences, or Earth Sciences
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• An appreciation for and/or commitment to the lab core values*
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license
Preferred qualifications
• Experience collecting and/or rearing insects
• Experience working in agricultural settings
To apply: Please send the following information to Mike Crossley (crossley@udel.edu):
• CV
• Brief statement of career goals and research interests pertaining to the project
• Names and email address of at least 2 references
*The core values of the lab are:
• Curiosity – being motivated by a strong desire to learn and embrace the unknown
• Community – valuing and promoting connection with people from diverse backgrounds, and fostering a team-minded and collaborative work environment
• Resilience – having a tenacious commitment to grow, learn, and persevere in the face of failure, uncertainty, and adversity