Opportunities
Graduate Research Assistantships for Master’s Degree in Entomology
Overview:
The Lajas | Precision Pest Analytics provides a range of opportunities for developing professional skills in areas such as precision pest management, machine learning, and GIS-based remote sensing analysis. Our research focuses on teaching basic, advanced, and technical subjects; engaging with cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary projects; gaining hands-on experience; and developing expertise within both academic and private sectors.
We are looking for enthusiastic graduate students to join innovative projects related to precision pest management, machine learning, remote sensing applications in IPM (Integrated Pest Management), among others. The selected candidates will be involved in fieldwork, data collection/analysis using GIS software tools (ArcGIS/QGIS), statistical analysis (R/Python), scientific writing/publishing research papers under supervision from experienced faculty members who have extensive knowledge about these topics.
The preferred start date for these positions is Summer or Fall 2025, with the possibility of an earlier start in Spring 2025 pending approval by the hiring committee.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in entomology or related fields (e.g., biology/agriculture/environmental science) from an accredited institution.
- Experience with working on research projects involving insects/pests.
- Good communication skills both written & verbal.
- Motivation towards furthering their career goals through participation within this program.
- Interest/experience working with remote sensing imagery analysis tools like ArcGIS/QGIS/R/Python would be advantageous but not mandatory as training will be provided if necessary.
Responsibilities:
- Conducting fieldwork involving sampling insect populations/data collection activities at various locations across Louisiana state.
- Analyzing collected samples using laboratory techniques/methods under guidance from faculty members/supervisors assigned to each project respectively.
- Preparing reports summarizing findings/results obtained during experiments conducted throughout tenure period associated with assistantship position held by candidate selected via application process outlined below:
To apply:
Please submit your application materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Ivan Grijalva (ivangrijalva@agcenter.lsu.edu) including the following documents no later than March 1st, 2025:
- Cover letter outlining your interest/background relevant experience
- Curriculum Vitae detailing educational qualifications/work history
- Contact information for three references who can provide letters supporting candidacy
