Insect Rearing Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Adecco Healthcare and Life Sciences is hiring for a Lab Assistant in Durham, NC. Apply today if you meet the qualifications listed below!

Location: Durham, NC

Duration:6 month contract

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Pay rate: $25.42/hour

Job summary:

Support entomology research operations with a primary focus on setting up and executing insect bioassays across multiple target species (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera). This role also involves supporting insect rearing activities, colony maintenance, and collaborating within the broader entomology team to deliver high-quality scientific data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, execute, and monitor insect bioassays for multiple insect species.

• Prepare assay materials, including treating plant tissues, preparing diet-incorporation assays, and handling test substances.

• Perform accurate and precise pipetting of solutions for bioassay preparation and chemical/biological dilutions.

• Collect, record, and evaluate bioassay data, including insect mortality, developmental delay, and plant damage scores.

• Conduct leaf and plant tissue sampling according to established protocols, ensuring proper collection, labeling, and storage.

• Insect Rearing and Colony Support

• Support the rearing and maintenance of various insect colonies under controlled environmental conditions (warm, humid environments).

• Collect and handle insects at specific life stages (eggs, larvae, nymphs, adults) required for bioassays.

• Prepare specialized insect diets following established protocols.

• Monitor colony health, development, and quality control metrics daily.

• Clean and sanitize rearing containers, work areas, and equipment.

• Entomology Team Support

• Assist with greenhouse trial setups, plant maintenance, and sample evaluations (including root and leaf harvests).

• Maintain accurate, real-time records of bioassays and rearing activities in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Skills:

• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow precise bioassay protocols and maintain accurate experimental records.

• Manual Dexterity: Comfortable handling small, delicate insects at various life stages and working with small laboratory tools.

• Precision Pipetting: Demonstrated ability to accurately measure and dispense small volumes of liquids.

• Data Entry: Proficiency with computer systems, spreadsheets, and LIMS databases.

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with team members.

• Physical Stamina: Ability to work in warm, humid conditions and perform repetitive tasks (e.g., assay setup, pipetting).

• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate with colony schedules, and meet bioassay deadlines.

Education:

• Required: Associate degree or coursework in Entomology, Biology, Agriculture, or a related scientific field

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field with practical laboratory experience in insect handling or bioassays

Why work for Adecco?

• Excellent Weekly Pay

• 401(k) Plan

• Skills Training

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits

Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid leave may include Paid Sick Leave, where required by law; any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law; and Holiday pay upon meeting eligibility criteria.

IMPORTANT: This position is being recruited for by Adecco’s Healthcare & Life Sciences division, not your local Adecco Branch Office. For opportunities available at Adecco Healthcare & Life Sciences go to www.adeccousa.com/industries/medical-and-science

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.adeccousa.com/candidate-privacy/. The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record

Pay Details: $25.42 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adecco.com/en-us/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.