Academic Hourly - Microbiology

Laseagrant; Urbana, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana is seeking an Academic Hourly in Microbiology to assist with aerobic culture setup, Leptospira testing, and bench work in the VDL Microbiology section. The role supports diagnostic work, student rotations, and routine QA/QC processes.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, at least one year of bench experience, and is eligible for benefits with a market-based hourly salary. Start date ASAP after 10/14/2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences or related field.
• At least one year of laboratory benchwork experience.
• Master’s degree in a life sciences or related field (preferred).
• At least one year of clinical microbiology laboratory experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Evaluate aerobic culture plates, identify bacterial isolates, perform MIC and Kirby-Bauer susceptibility testing, and prepare reports.
• 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 QC and QA procedures; follow SOPs, validation statements, and related documentation.
• Interact with veterinary and graduate students during diagnostic and clinical rotations; support for classes, labs, and other duties as assigned by the Head of Microbiology.

Skills

Biology background

Clinical background

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field

Master's degree in life sciences or related field

Job description

Academic Hourly - Microbiology

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 100% full-time Academic Hourly position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/14/2026. 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.

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.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 our 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] .

Champaign-Urbana