Part-Time Amphibian Lab Research Assistant

Frogs and Salamanders are threatened around the world from infectious diseases, particularly fungal diseases. We work to understand these diseases, how they move around the world, and how to treat them. To accomplish this, we have established a colony of frogs and salamanders. Currently, we are working to develop effective ways to captively-breed selected species to be more resistant to disease.

By producing additional individuals, we can also conduct experimental work to identify effective treatments for amphibians threatened by disease. In addition, The Bletz has multiple on-going projects at the intersection of amphibians, disease and the pet trade where sampling preparation and processing are needed using microbiological and molecular techniques. The Bletz Lab is seeking a part time worker to assist with multiple aspects of this work.

The opening is for the Fall 2026 Semester with future semester as a possibility. Read more about our lab’s work here: , and please reach out to Dr. Molly Bletz with questions (molly.bletz)

• Participate in amphibian research projects
• Design and set up breeding plans for frogs and salamanders
• Maintenance of terrariums
• Perform molecular and microbial sampling processing
• Learn about daily amphibian care and health monitoring

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission.

And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement.

Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows;
Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.