Plant Image Analysis Internship
Genective is seeking an individual for a multi-month paid research internship at the Weldon, IL station (35 miles west of Champaign). The internship can start in Spring 2019 part-time and move to full time during the summer months. During the internship program, the intern will be exposed to industry leading research in the development of plant protection products.
The intern will manage one or more research projects during the internship but will also be given opportunities to experience various steps throughout the research process. Those activities could include assisting with work done in the laboratory, greenhouse, field and inset rearing facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
With the supervision of the Genective staff, the intern’s project will contribute to the overall research goals for Genective. This internship will provide the opportunity for the student to help design and quantify hardware and software in order to evaluate insect damage in plants in an accurate and high throughput manner. The research will take place on both field and greenhouse grown corn infested with lepidopteran and potentially coleopteran insect pests.
- Develop hardware and software components of an imaging system for quantification of insect damage ratings
- Compare and calibrate the computer measurements with established rating scales
- Evaluate throughput after system is developed and look for efficiencies
- Assist with analysis of data and create protocols for the entire process
Duties and responsibilities may be revised as needed.
EDUCATIONAL AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Internship is open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have a strong interest in Biological Data Systems, Computer Science, Biosystems Engineering, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or Database Management; majoring in a related field with a link to Agriculture or Biology. Students must be in good standing with their class requirements.
- Computer skills: Image analysis, familiarity with biological measurements through instrumentation, management of information systems, data capture devices (tablets, scanners, raspberry pis, etc.), database management, spread sheet use, and typical office software
- Productive working independently or as part of a team
- Highest level of confidentiality, professionalism and respect for co-workers
- Superior communication and organizational skills with an eye for details
- Must be able to work a minimum of 15 hours a week if also attending classes and 40 hours during the summer; will offer flexible start-finish dates as required to complete the project
Station hours are typically 7 AM – 4 PM, Monday through Friday
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Work required hours in office, laboratory, greenhouse and field environments
- Tolerate occasional work in warm temperatures in the greenhouse and field
Transportation to the Genective research station in Weldon, IL is required and will be the responsibility of the student.