Vector Technician

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is seeking a Vector Technician to support mosquito ecology research under the School of Health Science, Environmental Health Sciences Program. You will manipulate and analyze specimens, data, and materials related to vector-borne diseases and entomologic surveillance.

The role requires effective communication, ability to lift 25 lb, and knowledge of vector biology, specimen handling, and lab safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills are required.
• Must be able to lift 25 lb and handle specimens.
• Preference for MS Word and Excel proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manipulate and analyze specimens, data, and materials related to vector biology and entomologic surveillance.
• Support contract and grant investigations conducted by faculty within the program.

Skills

Effective communication

MS Word

MS Excel

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

ENVH-430/431 or equivalent medical entomology course

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Department Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences

Salary Range

Salary Range $15 per hour

Temporary hourly employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis, and temporary salaried employees are paid monthly.

Temporary positions are not eligible for state sponsored benefits but may qualify for ACA coverage depending on employment terms.

Posting Information

The Vector Technician provides services in support of contract and grant investigations conducted by faculty within the School of Health Science, Environmental Health Sciences Program. The technician is responsible for carrying out duties related to the manipulation and analysis of specimens, data, and materials broadly relating to mosquito ecology, the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, and entomologic surveillance.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Effective communication skills are required. The employee must be able to lift 25 lb. and have a general knowledge of vector biology and specimen manipulation (e.g., parity dissections). Employee must adhere to lab safety protocols while working within the Mosquito and Vector-borne Infectious Disease Laboratory. The employee should have a command of MS word and MS Excel. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, be meticulous with a keen attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

Enrolled in, or completed, ENVH -430/431 or a similar Medical Entomology/Vector Biology course

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate has experience identifying and handling insect and arthropod samples of public health importance has completed or is enrolled in a medical entomology course.

Posting Text

Open Date 09/08/2026

Close Date 12/15/2026

Open Until Filled No

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of references

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you a current WCU student enrolled in 6+ credit hours?
  • Yes
  • No