Student Employee (Parasitology)

About the role

The Reif Parasitology Laboratory is seeking dependable student employees to support research focused on arthropod vectors, parasites, and vector-borne diseases of veterinary and public health importance. The student will assist with routine laboratory and insectary maintenance, research activities, animal and arthropod observations, specimen processing, and accurate data collection. Depending on project needs and training, the position may involve handling ticks, mosquitoes, other arthropods or parasites, and research animals. Previous laboratory experience is not required. Training and supervision will be provided. Students interested in veterinary medicine, entomology, biology, microbiology, animal science, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine laboratory, insectary, and research-space organization and maintenance.
• Prepare supplies, materials, and work areas for research activities.
• Perform scheduled observations and husbandry-related tasks for arthropods, parasites, and, when assigned, research animals.
• Support the maintenance and propagation of laboratory colonies or cultures, including monitoring environmental conditions.
• Assist with animal handling and restraint after completion of required training and under appropriate supervision.
• Collect, label, process, and organize research specimens such as blood, feces, tissues, or arthropods, as permitted by study protocols.
• Assist with parasite or arthropod collection, identification, enumeration, and sample preparation.
• Conduct basic laboratory or diagnostic procedures after training and document results accurately.
• Enter, review, and organize research data and laboratory records.
• Clean and maintain equipment and follow laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Complete project-specific duties and other related tasks as assigned.

Completion of Auburn University-required laboratory safety training is required before beginning laboratory work. Additional project-specific training may be required depending on assigned duties. Students will work under the supervision of experienced laboratory personnel and may perform tasks independently only after demonstrating competency. All work must be completed in accordance with approved laboratory, animal-use, biosafety, and study protocols.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled Auburn University undergraduate student; first-semester students are eligible to apply.
• Reliable, punctual, attentive to detail, and able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Able to maintain accurate records and communicate promptly with laboratory personnel.
• Able to perform routine physical tasks, which may include standing for extended periods, bending, lifting or moving supplies, and working in insectary or animal-care environments.
• Able to work 8-15 hours per week during the semester. Scheduling in blocks of at least three hours is strongly preferred.
• Willing and able, when scheduled, to work occasional weekends, holidays, or academic breaks to support time-sensitive animal or arthropod care and research activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in parasitology, vector biology, veterinary medicine, biomedical research, or animal health.
• Major or coursework in pre-veterinary studies, entomology, biology, microbiology, animal science, or a related discipline.
• Previous laboratory, animal-handling, insectary, farm, veterinary-clinic, or research experience.
• Availability to remain in the position for at least two consecutive semesters.

Schedule

Able to work 8-15 hours per week during the semester, preferably in blocks of at least three hours. Willing to work occasional weekends, holidays, or academic breaks for time-sensitive tasks.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Gain valuable work experience to explore interests, identify strengths, and inform future career goals.
• Build your network through interactions with faculty, staff, and fellow students, leading to valuable connections and potential mentors.
• Make a difference by contributing to the premier academic experience at Auburn and life-changing research.