Apply By
July 18th 2025
Posting Number
2748
Research Group
Schal Lab
Location
Gardner Hall, NC State University, Raleigh
Mentor Name
Elizabeth Wiles
Number of Positions Available
1
Description
The primary goal of this study is to better understand the role of Wolbachia, a bacterial endosymbiont, on digestive and reproductive physiology in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius. The student will learn how to handle bed bugs in a laboratory setting, including blood feeding, colony rearing, and safety. They will also assist in sample preparation for RNA-seq and enzyme activity assays. The student will also measure the reproductive capacity of male Wolbachia-free bed bugs through measurements of their reproductive tissues and analysis in ImageJ. The student will receive training and mentorship in laboratory techniques, attend weekly lab meetings with the opportunity to present their work, and will be a co-author on any publications for which they make a significant contribution. Course credit is also available for NC State students.
Students will have the opportunity to learn the following skills: Lab safety at BLS-1 & BSL-2, bed bug husbandry, bed bug dissections, DNA and RNA extractions, PCR, enzyme assays, microscopic imaging, data analysis
Required Prerequisites
None
Preferred Prerequisites
Introductory science course with a lab component (entomology, biology, chemistry, etc.)
Preferred Academic Year
First-Year Transfer; Sophomore; Junior; Senior
Anticipated Start Date
August 18th
Duration of Position
16 weeks (with the opportunity to extend an additional 16 weeks)
Approximate Hours per Week
8-10
Salary or Stipend
$14/hour (up to 140 hours)
Additional Information
We are looking for hard-working undergraduate students with interest in the life sciences. The student MUST be willing to work with insects on a regular basis.
Please upload your resume/CV as a PDF or word document. I will reach out to potential candidates after the July 18th deadline.