Academic Microbiology Lab Assistant – Veterinary Diagnostics

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

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.