Job Details

  

 
Insectary Student Assistant [CR]
Click here to apply for this job
Job ID 6317
Job Type On-Campus Jobs (FWS) Tier 1
Employer Herbert College of Agriculture
Date Posted May 11, 2026
Category Laboratory/Research
Job Description

The Coffman Entomology Lab on Ag Campus is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented student assistant to help maintain insect rearing facilities and support daily insectary operations. Responsibilities include cleaning and organizing insect rearing spaces, washing insect cages and other insect rearing materials, preparing and disposing of insect diet materials, and assisting with general upkeep of continuous insect colonies.

This position supports ongoing insect rearing and research activities by helping maintain clean, organized, and functional insectary environments necessary for successful colony maintenance and laboratory operations.

Students in this role will work with live insects, including larval fruit flies (i.e. maggots), and should be comfortable handling insects in various life stages. This position is ideal for students interested in entomology, biology, ecology, animal science, or those looking for experience working in a research laboratory.

Promising student assistants may have opportunities to participate in independent laboratory research projects in the future.

More information about our laboratory group can be found here: coffmanlab.com

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Dependable and able to work independently after training
  • Comfortable handling live and dead insects, including larval fruit flies (i.e. maggots)
  • Willingness to perform routine cleaning and organizational tasks
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols carefully
  • Ability to lift and carry light laboratory materials and supplies
  • Ability to arrive on time and work the full amount of time, as determined by a weekly schedule agreed upon with the supervisor
  • Interest in biology, entomology, agriculture, ecology, or related fields preferred but not required
  • No prior laboratory experience is required, as training will be provided
  • Preference may be given to students with prior experience in research, animal care, laboratory environments, or cleaning/maintenance responsibilities
Evaluation Procedure

Student employees will receive ongoing supervision and feedback from laboratory personnel throughout the semester. Performance evaluations will be based on reliability, punctuality, attention to detail, ability to follow laboratory protocols, cleanliness and organization of work areas, and completion of assigned tasks. Informal feedback will be provided regularly during work shifts, and formal performance discussions will occur at least once each semester.

Available Openings 2
Hours 10.0 to 20.0 hours per week
Hourly Rate $15.00/hour, 15.00
Time Frame All Year
Contact Name Kelsey Coffman
Contact Email kcoffman@utk.edu
Work Location Agriculture and Natural Resources Building (ANR)
Phone N/A
Fax N/A
clear
clearx


[ Print This Window ]     [ Close This Window ]