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Looking to take your learning beyond the classroom? Want to apply your skills in a real world setting? Looking for a work position that challenges you to use some of what you're learning? Consider working as a student employee for the Biology Department!

Each year, our department employs more than 50 students in various positions. In these jobs, students are able to apply lessons they've learned in the classroom and utilize skills that they've acquired in the lab. These roles allow students to explore their interests, gain insights into a variety of career pathways, and develop new skill sets that will be useful to them after they graduate from ÐßÐßÊÓƵ. We encourage all students to consider the various employment opportunities throughout the department, so that they can take their learning to the next level.

Read the descriptions below for more information on the various student employment opportunities offered by the Biology Department. Students are able to apply directly for these positions using , and if they have any questions, they should talk with the administrative assistant in the department office in DeVries Hall 100.

Lab assistants and graders

Lab assistants work in the lab alongside faculty members and students enrolled in the course. While the exact duties may differ from course to course, lab assistants generally help by answering student questions about different processes, assisting with lab set-up, demonstrating new techniques to students, and grading quizzes or lab reports.

Students who are interested in reinforcing their own knowledge of biological concepts and who enjoy interacting with others as a teacher or tutor generally enjoy serving as a lab assistant. For these positions, you need to be a student enrolled at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, and you must have earned a grade of B or higher in the course for which you are assisting (or an equivalent course).

Research assistants

Biology faculty are involved in a variety of scholarly projects each summer, hiring students to work alongside them as full-time research assistants. These students help to plan and carry out the project, in addition to collecting and analyzing data. During the fall semester, they present their results in an on-campus poster session and will be invited to participate in a regional undergraduate science conference. They may even submit abstracts to make presentations at international meetings and/or publish peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals. Whether working in a lab setting, out in the field, or both, these experiences allow students to learn biology by engaging in the scientific process under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. Students who are interested in potentially participating in these opportunities should familiarize themselves with our faculty members' research interests. Then, during the winter months, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will provide descriptions of the specific research projects during the following summer, and students will be informed about how to apply for them.

Greenhouse assistants

Greenhouse assistants work with Prof. Dave Warners to care for all the plants in the department. Students take a hands-on approach within this position, handling responsibilities such as watering and caring for the various plant species throughout the Science Building complex and both campus greenhouses. Students also play a role in other related activities, such as plant sales, in order to raise funding for the greenhouses and various equipment needs.

Aquarium assistants

Aquarium assistants care for the various aquarium tanks throughout DeVries Hall, maintaining clean, healthy environments for aquatic life and promoting the well-being and safety of other wildlife species in the building. Students are challenged to take a hands-on approach by learning techniques for maintaining safe aquatic environments and handling techniques for working with different species.

Department assistants

Department assistants work alongside the department's administrative assistant to offer hospitality and service to faculty, staff, students, and any campus visitors. This may involve simply answering questions when people pop in to the department office, but it could also include leading occasional departmental tours or assisting with various administrative tasks as needed.

Lab prep assistants

Lab prep assistants work with the biology lab services manager Hannah Atsma to set up lab equipment, cell cultures, reagents, and other supplies as needed for the various biology labs each week.

Ecosystem preserve stewards & other roles

Biology students can also the ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens as preserve stewards, educational program leaders, summer camp leaders, and animal care assistants.