Position Details Position Information Department Ag Botany / Plant Path (ABP) Position Title Faculty Research Assistant Job Title Faculty Research Assistant 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. This full-time position will primarily support plant disease diagnostics efforts in the OSU Plant Clinic, and assist with applied research on plant pathogen detection, etiology, and management. An experienced diagnostician is preferred, but we will train an exceptional person with enthusiasm for plant disease diagnostics and service to clients. This is a dynamic position, and the incumbent must be able to rapidly adapt to changing demands, and work creatively and productively under time pressure. To be successful in the role incumbent should have excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, be detail-oriented, and be skilled at multi-tasking. This is an on-site position. Responsibilities include: + Provide diagnoses of biotic and abiotic plant diseases by consulting scientific literature/resources, microscopy, and analyzing culture and molecular test results. + Identify microbial cultures by microscopy. + Document sample information and tests performed, and take images of samples + Supervise and train undergraduate students on microbiology techniques. + Communicate with clients via phone and e-mail. + Assist with writing diagnostic reports. + Lab maintenance, order laboratory materials, update protocols, and keep track of equipment certification needs. + Improve pathogen detection assays by analyzing, optimizing, and validating new methods. + Conduct greenhouse and growth chamber experiments. 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 70% Diagnose and document plant diseases + Provide diagnoses or tentative diagnoses of biotic and abiotic plant diseases based on symptoms, microscopy, culturing results, and molecular results. + Provide thorough documentation of sample information and tests performed, including taking publication quality pictures of plant samples and their symptoms. + Assign appropriate pathogen tests (culturing, ELISA , PCR etc.) to plant samples to determine diagnosis. + Identify pathogens by microscopy. + Communicate with clients via phone and e-mail to obtain necessary information for diagnosis or answer clients’ questions. + Assist with writing diagnostic reports. + Learn about plant pathogens and appropriate methods to detect them. 20% Supervise undergraduate student workers + Recruit and supervise undergraduate student workers that perform microbial culturing. + Plan students’ work schedules, train them in microbiology techniques, and assign work. 10% Research and llab maintenance + Maintain an orderly, clean, and safe workplace. + Order laboratory materials and keep track of equipment certification needs. + Improve and validate new detection methods for pathogen identification. + Conduct greenhouse or growth chamber experiments. + Document experiment results for publication.. What You Will Need An earned BS degree in plant pathology, microbiology, or related field. Experience with classical microbiological methods for fungal and bacterial isolation (aseptic technique). Ability to work cooperatively with diverse 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 details in English. Experience with common computer programs for word processing and spreadsheets. 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.. What We Would Like You to Have An earned MS and two years’ experience diagnosing plant problems, including diseases caused by fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, phytoplasmas, and viruses; abiotic disorders; and recognition of damage caused by insects, other arthropods and mammals. Experience working with or growing diverse plants professionally or as a hobby. Basic understanding of PCR and ELISA techniques. Experience using taxonomic keys to identify fungi and oomycetes morphologically using the microscope. A background in the biological sciences, including experience in any of the following areas: botany, chemistry, horticulture, microbiology, soil science, bacteriology, mycology, virology, plant pathology, entomology and molecular biology. Working Conditions / Work Schedule This position requires to be on-site. The physical working conditions are those of a standard microbiology laboratory involving standing and sitting and alternating between both (e.g. between examination table and bench microscopes). Use of microscopes, cameras, autoclaves and other standard lab equipment. Handling of ingredients to make media, including antimicrobial compounds. Occasional work in a greenhouse located within 1/4 mile of the work site. Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds of plant material, and cutting large plant samples with a saw on occasion. 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 $50,000 – $55,000 Link to Position Description https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/73222 Posting Detail Information Posting Number P08816UF Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 02/24/2025 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 01/28/2025 Full Consideration Date 02/13/2025 Closing Date 02/27/2025 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by February 13, 2025.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice 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: Mana Ohkura ohkuram@oregonstate.edu 541-737-5542 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. 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 atemployee.relations@oregonstate.edu. Supplemental Questions Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/164208 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.