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Position Details

Position Information

Department Ag Botany / Plant Path (ABP)

Position Title Faculty Research Assistant

Job Title Faculty Research Assistant (Ag Botany / Plant Path)

Appointment Type Academic Faculty

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The Department of Botany & Plant Pathology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, Fixed Term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

A full-time position will primarily support plant pathogen testing efforts in the Oregon Clean Plant Center, a program managed by the OSU Plant Clinic in cooperation with APHIS and USDA - ARS . This is a dynamic position, and the successful candidate must be able to rapidly adapt to changing demands and required skills, and work creatively and productively under time pressure. The successful candidate will have excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, be detail-oriented, and able to multi-task. This is an on-site position.

Responsibilities include:

+ Implement quality control protocols for our pathogen detection pipelines.

+ Manage laboratory resources.

+ Conduct pathogen testing using, molecular and serological methods, and graft indexing.

+ Interpret pathogen testing results and prepare reports.

+ Keep a detail data record.

+ Assist in the implementation and development of OCPC projects.

+ Supervise seasonal undergraduate students.

The incumbent must be able to obtain a background check clearance to work in a USDA facility

College of Agricultural Sciences ( CAS ) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment (https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/main/for-faculty/care.pdf) document.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

•Top 1.4% university in the world

•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

•217k+ alumni worldwide

•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

•Retirement savings paid by the university.

•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

While this is a dynamic position, the expected average percentage of each duty throughout the year is:

75% Pathogen testing service, indexing and documentation

+ Prepare forms and labels for sample submission

+ Detailed record-keeping of sample intake, symptomatology (including photographs), testing progress, and testing results.

+ Review quality of samples and perform adequate TNA isolation, Sap preparation or grafting

+ Perform pathogen testing using the following techniques: RT- PCR , PCR , RT-qPCR, qPCR, HTS , ELISA , or graft indexing.

+ Assist with writing, testing reports for clients, internal reports and project performance reports.

+ Verifying accuracy, troubleshoot, and update new assays as necessary.

+ Prepare and update SOPs for pathogen testing pipelines.

+ Maintain and update positive and negative controls for pathogen testing.

10% Pathogen testing methods

+ Update, improve and validate pathogen detection methods.

+ Develop new protocols for pathogen testing.

+ Analyze and interpreted results pertain to OCPC projects.

+ Document experimental results for publication, reporting or certification.

+ Present results when requested.

10% Lab Maintenance

+ Maintain a, clean, and safe workplace.

+ Order laboratory supplies, materials and keep track of inventory.

+ Perform equipment maintenance and calibration, or request and schedule when a technical maintenance visit for certification is needed.

5% Supervise undergraduate student workers

+ Help recruit, train and supervise undergraduate student workers that assist with pathogen testing and lab maintenance, and OCPC research projects.

+ Plan students’ work schedules and assign work.

What You Will Need

Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology or related field.

Experience performing total nucleic acids extraction from plants.

Experience performing and understanding molecular tests (RT- PCR , PCR , RT-qPCR, qPCR), serological tests ( ELISA ).

Experience performing plant grafting or willingness to learn.

Experience working in research projects and supervising undergrad students.

Ability to apply critical thinking skills to analyze results.

Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of colleagues.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to follow written protocols.

Ability to work calmly and efficiently under time pressure.

Ability to pay attention to details and document findings effectively and professionally.

Experience using common computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets.

Must be able to pass a background check clearance to work in a USDA facility.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

An earned MS degree in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology or related field.

A background working with plant pathogens, including but not limited to viruses and bacteria.

Experience performing TNA extraction from Blueberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Grapes or small/tree fruits.

Experience developing molecular tests (RT- PCR , PCR , RT-qPCR, qPCR), including primers design, standard curve analysis Experience troubleshooting serological tests ( ELISA ).

Experience with transformation technologies, Sanger sequencing, and genome sequencing analyses.

Experience performing plant grafting.

Experience writing protocols and SOPs.

Ability the analyze scientific literature.

Proven ability to write and present reports.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

This position requires to be on-site, either at the OSU Plant Clinic facility or the USDA - ARS , Horticultural Crops Research Lab, Corvallis OR facility. Occasional travel for training, workshops, meetings. May through October is a high demand period for samples intake and testing.

The physical working conditions are those of a standard microbiology laboratory involving standing and sitting and alternating between both. Pipetting will be a very repetitive task. Use of autoclaves, thermocyclers, grinders, automated extraction station and other standard lab equipment. Occasional work in a greenhouse when performing graft indexing. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds. Long periods of computer use may be necessary on occasion.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/174325

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09546UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 01/01/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 11/04/2025

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date 11/19/2025

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Cristian Olaya

[email protected]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team [email protected].

Supplemental Questions

Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/174379

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.