• Insect Collections Databasing (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey, PRI - Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026

    Illinois Natural History Surveyhourly

    Insect Collections Databasing 
    Illinois Natural History Survey 
    Prairie Research Institute 

                                                                                                

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    The Illinois Natural History Survey (Prairie Research Institute) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an individual who will assist with databasing specimen data from thousands of borrowed insect specimens. 

    The successful candidate will support an Illinois Natural History Survey entomologist to document the distribution and habitat of 33 species of stoneflies (insects in the order Plecoptera) thought to be imperiled within 13 Northeast USA states, a US Fish and Wildlife-funded grant.
     
    Tasks include organizing, labeling, storing, and digitizing associated data from specimens collected in the field or from those borrowed from natural history museums. The candidate will be trained in natural history museum practice and the use of sophisticated data management systems (https://taxonworks.org,  https://openrefine.org) to accumulate, clean, maintain, and export data for analysis. Once data have been collected from specimens, the specimens will be moved to the INHS Insect Collection or sent back to their original museums.
     
    Some joint travel to museums or to help with fieldwork is possible but not necessary.  

    QUALIFICATIONS

    The successful applicant will be needed for approximately half-time for one year. An extension is possible. Familiarity working with insects is preferred, but experience with other organisms would be acceptable. 

    • The successful applicant must have or be in the process of working toward a bachelor's degree in a biological discipline.
    • The applicant must be able to learn and use a complex museum database system.
    • Proficiency in the use of common office and data management software is expected.
    • The applicant must possess a valid US Driver’s License.                

    Salary: $17 per hour, 20 – 25 hours per week                                                 

    Available: July 16, 2026, through July 15, 2027.  

    Job Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus in the Robert Evers Laboratory, 1909 South Oak St., Champaign. A laptop computer and large screen will be provided. Some work can be done remotely. Flexibility in hours will be possible after training has been completed.

    To Apply: Email cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Ed DeWalt at dewalt@illinois.edu (Reference “Insect Collection Database” in subject line).  For full consideration, applications should be received by August 31, 2026, but the position may be filled sooner when a suitable candidate is found.                                                  

    The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.