Entomology Research Technician

CSUDH, Toro Auxiliary Partners

Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Benefited | Onsite |

About CSUDH Toro Auxiliary Partners
The California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Toro Auxiliary Partners was established in 1968 as the university's strategic partner. The Auxiliary provides essential services, supports innovative programs, and enhances initiatives that are integral to the university’s educational mission.

About CSU Dominguez Hills
Founded in 1960, CSU Dominguez Hills is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system. The university is recognized for its rich diversity and serves as a vital educational hub for the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. Its mission is to foster academic excellence and community engagement in a dynamic, metropolitan environment.

About the Position
The Entomology Research Technician will support a National Science Foundation–funded project investigating climate resilience in animals by examining their thermal reflectivity in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The technician will contribute to field—and lab-based research, data collection, and specimen curation to advance understanding of how insect traits influence environmental adaptability.

Position Information
Employment at Toro Auxiliary Partners is on an at-will basis. It can be terminated by either an employee or Toro Auxiliary Partners at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. Permanent status can neither be obtained nor granted.

This position is full-time, non-exempt, benefited, plus employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and sick/vacation pay.

Hourly Rate: $22.00

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, curate, and maintain an insect collection in the McGlynn Lab.
• Conduct multispectral photography of insect specimens.
• Perform diffuse reflectances spectroscopy for thermal reflectivity analysis.
• Manage data, including specimen data basing, file organization, and cloud-based storage (Dropbox).
• Carry out image analysis using ImageJ with MicaToolbox.
• Analyze spectroscopy and geographic datasets in R using pavo and related packages.
• Contribute to general lab support, documentation, and collaborative research activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Entomology or Biology (with university-level coursework in entomology).
• Prior experience working with natural history collections.
• Proficiency in handling and preparing insect specimens, including pinning small insects.
• Familiarity with research software for data integration and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multispectral imaging, spectroscopy, or related analytical techniques.
• Proficiency in R programming and statistical analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing large datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research environment.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience with advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques.
• Training in widely used analytical tools, including R, ImageJ, and MicaToolbox.
• Experience working in a natural history research lab with opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• Professional development for entomology, ecology, museum collections, or graduate studies careers.
• A chance to make a direct contribution to research on climate change and biodiversity resilience.

Application Period
Applications will be reviewed beginning September 8, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and experience.

Additional Information

Equal Employment Opportunity
Toro Auxiliary Partners is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the TAP Human Resources Office at (310) 243-1070.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

This notation reflects our commitment to affirmative action for minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, in compliance with regulatory requirements.

E-Verify Employment Authorization
This position requires new hire/re-hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If hired, candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States.

Conditions of Employment

At-Will Employment: Employment at Toro Auxiliary Partners is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. Permanent status is neither offered nor guaranteed.

Mandated Reporter: This position is classified as a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Compliance with the Act is a condition of employment.

Background Check: All candidates must pass a background check, including a criminal records check, as a condition of employment. Positions deemed sensitive, including this role, require heightened scrutiny due to the potential for harm to individuals, children, animals, property, or the financial security of CSUDH Toro Auxiliary Partners. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect an applicant's status or the continued employment of current employees.