What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate (Insect Identification Researcher) position at University of Hawaii?
Description
Title: Research Associate (Insect Identification Researcher)
Position Number: 0097590T & 0097136T
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS)
Location: Honolulu, HI
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
Closing Date: March 30, 2026, 11:59 HST
Band: B
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Part-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Position no. 0097136T pending classification approval. All application materials should be submitted by March 30, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Sorts and develops database for incoming invasive invertebrate samples.
- Monitors samples from onset to completion; coordinates and initiates expediting actions.
- Assist with writing scripts to parse and organize data.
- Prepares individual Macropod-based diagnostic images of all samples
- Enters preliminary identifications for as many samples as possible.
- Assigns further identification requests to other experts, follows up and enters final identifications.
- Assist with writing reports for Hawaii Department of Agriculture summarizing identifications.
- Other duties as assigned.
Denotes essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, entomology, natural sciences or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for research support, entomology, or biological data collection; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of Entomology or invertebrate biology as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with invasive species identification.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates and manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and manage data spreadsheets.
- If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Desirable Qualifications
- Possession of a Masters degree in agriculture, entomology, natural sciences
- Experience with coding for organization of complex databases.
TO APPLY: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
- Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
- Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV);
- Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
- Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree-granting institution are required upon hire).
- Any confidential data should be redacted (e.g. social security number, date of birth, etc).
- Diplomas will not be accepted.
Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.
Inquiries: Dr. Daniel Rubinoff, rubinoff@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/