Entomology Summer Intern temp contractor

Entomology Intern (Temporary Contractor) Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Division

Purpose of Position/Summary:

• This position will assist the Indiana Department of Health arboviral surveillance program in monitoring vectorborne disease occurrence in arthropods in the State of Indiana.
• Intern duties will include collecting mosquitoes for virus identification using gravid light and resting traps designed for disease vector collection.
• The locations for these collections will be determined in consultation with the IDOH Entomology Director and regional Medical Entomologists.
• Successful applicants will also be trained on tick collection techniques and contribute to IDOH tick surveillance efforts.
• Each intern will receive training in mosquito identification and other tasks needed for their work during a training session at the IDOH Entomology Laboratory in Indianapolis.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collection of mosquitoes using various traps for arbovirus surveillance
• Collection of ticks using the drag sampling technique.
• Identification of specimens to species level using morphological characteristics

Job Requirements:

• Students should be enrolled in any Indiana college or university.
• Undergraduate graduate and professional students are welcome to apply.
• Must agree to work for at least a 12week period of the project between May 13 2024 and August 2 2024.
• Must have a valid Drivers license access to a reliable vehicle and be willing to drive the vehicle on state business. Travel will be reimbursed at $0.49 per mile.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory skills such as identification of specimens using a microscope
• Ability to work independently

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

NA

Difficulty of Work:

• This job operates in all outdoor field conditions.
• This job requires extensive walking through all environments while carrying surveillance equipment.

Responsibility:

• Conducts tick drag sampling in assigned locations.
• Identifies and prepares tick samples for pathogen testing.
• Collects mosquitoes in assigned locations using various mosquito traps.
• Identifies mosquitoes to species level and pools specimens for pathogen testing.

Personal Work Relationships:

• Interns will be supervised by the Senior Medical Entomologist and will work closely with the Regional Medical Entomologists.
• Interns may occasionally liaise with personnel at local health departments.

Physical Effort:

• Walking long distances while carrying surveillance equipment.
• Ability to carry 25 lbs.
• Ability to navigate through wooded environments.

Working Conditions:

• Interns may be exposed to heat inclement weather biting arthropods and other conditions associated with outdoor summer field work.