Academic Hourly - Microbiology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine seeks an Academic Hourly assistant for the Microbiology Section of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Champaign-Urbana. You will assist with aerobic culture, MIC, Kirby-Bauer testing, plating and inoculations, and Leptospira MAT, supporting diagnostic workups and reports.

You'll collaborate with veterinary and graduate students during rotations, help with SOPs and QA/QC, and support teaching for classes and labs under

Qualifications

• Biology background required.
• Clinical background considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate aerobic culture plates, identify bacterial isolates, perform MIC and Kirby-Bauer testing, and prepare reports.
• Assist with plating and broth inoculations of clinical specimens.
• Perform Leptospirosis MAT and maintain reference stock cultures and sera.
• Participate in QC/QA procedures and update SOPs and validation statements.
• Interact with veterinary and graduate students during diagnostic and clinical rotations; support classes and labs.

Skills

Biology background

Clinical background

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Master's degree in life sciences

Job description

College of Veterinary Medicine

• Evaluate aerobic culture plates, identify bacterial isolates, perform Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Kirby-Bauer susceptibility testing, and prepare reports. Assist with bench setup as needed.
• Assist with plating and broth inoculations of clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Section.
• Perform Leptospirosis Micro-Agglutination Testing (MAT) and maintain reference stock cultures and sera.
• Participate in Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures. Follow and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation statements, and related documentation.
• Interact with veterinary and graduate students during diagnostic and clinical rotations. Provide support for classes, laboratories, and other responsibilities as assigned by the Head of the Microbiology Section.

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

College of Veterinary Medicine

Job Summary

Academic Hourly will provide assistance with aerobic culture, set up and Leptospira testing at VDL microbiology section.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate aerobic culture plates, identify bacterial isolates, perform Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Kirby-Bauer susceptibility testing, and prepare reports. Assist with bench setup as needed.
• Assist with plating and broth inoculations of clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Section.
• Perform Leptospirosis Micro-Agglutination Testing (MAT) and maintain reference stock cultures and sera.
• Participate in Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures. Follow and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation statements, and related documentation.
• Interact with veterinary and graduate students during diagnostic and clinical rotations. Provide support for classes, laboratories, and other responsibilities as assigned by the Head of the Microbiology Section.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Allergies to hay, straw or animal dander may cause discomfort based on the location within the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences or related field

Experience: At least one year of laboratory benchwork experience

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in a life sciences or related field

Experience: At least one year of clinical microbiology laboratory experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Biology background
• Clinical background

Appointment Information

This is a Academic Hourly position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/21/2026. The budgeted hourly salary range for the position is $25.00 to $27.00. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view your non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .