Undergraduate student research assistant

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY invites applications for an Undergraduate student research assistant in the Entomology department. You will assist graduate students in Dr. Zinan Wang’s lab with fruit fly experiments, sorting, molecular work, and transgenesis while learning multiple molecular biology techniques.

The position supports a part-time schedule aligned with a student’s curriculum. Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduates with a high school diploma or GED.

Qualifications

• Reliability, attention to detail, timely communication, and willingness to follow research protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist graduate students in Dr. Zinan Wang’s lab with fruit fly (Drosophila) experiments.
• Perform fruit fly sorting and basic molecular experiments.
• Contribute to insect transgenesis work.
• Learn and apply various molecular biology techniques.
• Work with the lab team while following safety protocols.

Skills

Reliability

Attention to detail

Timely communication

Follow research protocols

Laboratory safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Undergraduate student research assistant

Job Title Undergraduate student research assistant

Requisition Number

Requisition Number DU15084

Department Name

Department Name 81080:ENTOMOLOGY

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range

Salary Range $13.50-$15.25/hr

Type of Position

Type of Position Student

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Part-Time

Required Education

High School Diploma or GED

Required Related Experience

must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate.

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time, working with arthropods

Shift

Will work with student schedule.

The successful candidate will assist graduate students in Dr. Zinan Wang’s lab with various fruit fly (Drosophila) related experiments. The activities will include, but are not limited to, fruit fly sorting, molecular experiments, and insect transgenesis. The student will have the opportunity to learn different molecular biology techniques. The pay rate will depend on the candidate’s prior experience. This position may extend beyond the semester, depending on the candidate’s performance.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

No previous research experience is required. Applicants must demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, timely communication, and a willingness to follow research protocols and laboratory safety procedures.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume


• Cover Letter


• Academic Transcript

Optional Documents