Insectary Laboratory Assistant

Insectary Laboratory Assistant

Clarke is seeking a detail-oriented and scientifically curious Insectary Laboratory Assistant to support our Research, Development & Engineering (RD&E) team at our St. Charles, IL location.

In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and rearing mosquito colonies used for research and education, while assisting with laboratory assays and product development efforts.

This is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports innovation in mosquito control and public health.

Hours: 40 hours per week which includes weekend and holiday work. (Work schedule could be Mon - Sat with a day off during the week). Field work may require out-of-state travel and shifting work schedules. Travel-related expenses will be covered.

Location: St Charles, IL

Candidates should be located in reasonable proximity to St. Charles, IL. Relocation assistance will not be provided.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and care for mosquito larvae and adult colonies to ensure their health and viability.
• Support the daily maintenance of the mosquito insectary via care of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, including lifting and carrying larval trays, blood feeding, cage cleaning, and mosquito aspiration.
• Monitor colony health, reproduction, and overall performance.
• Prepare and ship mosquito specimens to internal teams and external partners.
• Support RD&E scientists in product development and research initiatives.
• Conduct laboratory and field experiments, including product efficacy studies.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and ongoing laboratory evaluations.
• Partner with biologists to provide updates and collaborate on project needs.
• Maintain accurate records and follow GLP and SOP requirements.
• Follow all safety procedures related to equipment, chemicals, and biological materials.
• Perform daily inspections of equipment to verify working conditions and communicate any issues to leadership.
• Document and communicate daily work.
• Ensure safe work practices and procedures are followed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in chemistry, biochemistry, entomology, biology, environmental science, agribusiness or related fields.
• Prior experience in mosquito rearing is beneficial.
• Experience with biological research techniques, and general laboratory procedures.
• Computer proficiency and aptitude related to data collection and interpretation, report writing and presentation.
• Ability to interpret scientific reports, including but not limited to probability and statistical inference, and effectively utilize information in performance and management of job duties.
• Must be comfortable performing work in an office or laboratory environment (where the lighting, humidity & temperature may be maintained at elevated levels) and exposure to mechanical parts, and chemicals (including pesticides).
• Must be comfortable driving a motor vehicle, operating equipment and lifting up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance), standing for extended periods of time, and occasionally bending and lifting items.
• Have a valid Driver's License with an excellent driving record.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

This is a non-exempt hourly position and the hiring range for this position is expected to be $26.00-$31.00/hour. This range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The hourly rate offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held.

BENEFITS

We offer an outstanding compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401k (Roth and traditional) with a generous match, tuition reimbursement and career development and training opportunities, LinkedIn Learning subscriptions, paid parental leave program, electric vehicle incentives, paid volunteer time, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid winter break between Christmas and New Years, and discretionary bonus.

ABOUT CLARKE

Clarke is a privately held public health, global environmental products and services company. For 80 years, Clarke has been making communities around the world more livable, safe, and comfortable. We do this by pioneering, developing, and delivering environmentally responsible public health mosquito control solutions to help prevent disease and control nuisances.

Working at Clarke, you will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. You will learn from some of the most talented people in your field and make an impact on the world around us. With Clarke, you join an innovative and passionate team where people are the heart and soul of the organization, working together to create an environment where the employees thrive and nature flourishes.

We offer a team atmosphere where everyone can and does make a difference!

ARE YOU READY?

If you are excited about what you've read and feel that you are right for this role, please submit your resume and relevant information.

Be sure to check out our website (clarke.com) to learn more about how Clarke is helping to make the world more livable, safe & comfortable.

Clarke is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace.