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Part-Time Butterfly Biodiversity and Collections Internship

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jan 28, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Frost Entomological Museum at Penn State seeks two undergraduate summer interns, to assist with research projects related to butterfly biodiversity and collections. Training and experiences will be provided in the following areas:

  • collecting / rearing (15%)

  • specimen preparation and conservation (20%)

  • collection digitization, including relevant data standards (55%)

  • collections advocacy, policies, and management (3%)

  • public engagement (7%)

Required Skills and Experience

  • Careful handling and attention to detail. Interns will work with small and incredibly fragile objects, each with many kinds of data that must be recorded and tracked. Dexterity and awareness are required.

  • Ability to stay focused. Specimen digitization can be repetitive, but accurate data collection and transcription is required to contribute credible records to global data aggregators.

  • Curiosity about the natural world. We're looking for interns who will fully engage with the work, asking questions along the way.

  • Commitment to science. These specimens are used extensively in research, across many domains. Interns should be facilitative, organized, and goal-oriented.

  • Comfort in nature. Field work may happen in muddy, wild habitats, where ticks are common.

  • Familiarity with insect taxonomy. Ability to sight identify specimens, even to a higher-level taxon (order or family), will help us be efficient in all tasks.

Compensation:

Compensation is set at $17.50/hour, with an expectation of about 40 hours worked per week for a short term period. Start date (around early June) and duration (6-10 weeks) are somewhat negotiable.

Application process:

Please upload the following documents in WorkDay:

  • Resume or CV

  • Personal statement: In about one page, please explain why you are interested in interning at the Frost Entomological Museum. Describe your personal and/or professional interests, and describe how this experience may facilitate your career goals.

  • Three references: Name, organization, phone, email, one sentence description of relationship.

Applications will be considered starting March 1, 2026.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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