Entomology Summer Intern - American Technology Consulting

Purpose of Position/Summary:This position will assist the Indiana Department of Health arboviralsurveillance program in monitoring vector-borne disease occurrence in arthropodsin the State of Indiana. Intern duties will include collecting mosquitoes forvirus identification using gravid, light, and resting traps designed for diseasevector collection. The locations for these collections will be determined inconsultation with the IDOH Entomology Director and regional MedicalEntomologists. Successful applicants will also be trained on tick collectiontechniques and contribute to IDOH tick surveillance efforts. Each intern willreceive training in mosquito identification and other tasks needed for theirwork during a training session at the IDOH Entomology Laboratory inIndianapolis.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 morphologicalcharacteristicsJob 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 12-week period of the project between May 13,2024 and August 2, 2024.-Must have a valid Driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and bewilling 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 specimensusing a microscope- Ability to work independentlySupervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:NADifficulty of Work:-This job operates in all outdoor field conditions.-This job requires extensive walking through all environments while carryingsurveillance 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 pathogentesting.Personal Work Relationships:Interns will be supervised by the Senior Medical Entomologist and will workclosely with the Regional Medical Entomologists. Interns may occasionally liaisewith 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 otherconditions associated with outdoor summer field work.