Faculty Research Assistant

Faculty Research Assistant

Oregon State University

Department: Horticulture (AHT)

Appointment Type: Academic Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $46,008 - $52,000

Job Summary:

The Department of Horticulture 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.

In collaboration with the faculty supervisor, this position will involve the production of transgenic plants through tissue culture transformation and/or other techniques, genetic verification and characterization of transgenic plants, and participation in research projects studying gene expression and in vitro regeneration. The Faculty Research Assistant will oversee management of the lab and greenhouse spaces for the faculty supervisor.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. 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 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

• 7 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 a 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.

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

Key Responsibilities

60% Research

This position will perform the following research activities:

• Agrobacterium-mediated lettuce transformation and in vitro tissue culture regeneration.

• Micropropagation of hazelnuts and other clonal germplasm.

• Development of transformation and gene editing techniques for a variety of plant species.

• Prepare required tissue culture media, maintain sterile in vitro cultures, and perform safe disposal of waste materials.

• Maintain the appropriate documentation of all transgenic plants and genetic constructs produced during the course of research.

• Sample transgenic material for the extraction of nucleic acids, conduct genotyping to confirm the presence of the T-DNA and/or assess transgene expression.

• Preparation of nucleic acids and/or libraries for next generation sequencing analysis.

• Analysis of genetic sequence modifications / genome editing using bioinformatics.

• Proper documentation of research activities in an electronic or physical lab notebook.

• Analysis and interpretation of data, including preparation of manuscripts and reports for funding agencies.

• May independently devise specific experiments.

20% Greenhouse management

• Proper irrigation and fertilizer application

• Transplant seedlings/saplings when necessary

• Harvest and collect seeds when plants are ready.

• Occasional transport of long-lived trees and woody perennials.

• Proper documentation/labeling of living plants in the greenhouse

• Proper storage of seeds collected in the greenhouse.

• Coordinate with the greenhouse staff to identify and control pests.

• Follow the necessary guidelines for growing/keeping transgenic plants in the greenhouse.

• Properly dispose of transgenic plant material.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive research/work environment for faculty, staff, and students

10% Lab management

This position will serve as a liaison between the faculty supervisor and other members of the lab, including undergraduate and graduate students and other scientific staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the lab. This includes:

• Order supplies, equipment, reagents and other materials necessary to conduct research activities.

• Ensure that students and staff are in compliance with the Oregon State University Safety requirements

• Maintain general lab safety for all spaces where research activities are conducted.

• Maintain proper documentation and records for research materials.

10% Supervision

• Plan, assign and approve work for 1-2 undergraduate student workers in the lab and greenhouse spaces.

What You Will Need

MS degree in Plant Biotechnology, Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biology, Horticulture, or related field.

Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved students or other audiences.

Experience in extraction, purification and manipulation of nucleic acids from plants.

Experience in PCR and marker-based genotyping.

Experience in sterile technique.

Demonstration of skills in proper documentation, data collection, and record-keeping.

Excellent team work and communication skills

Experience in plant growth and maintenance, including in vitro culture.

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

Experience in library preparation and bioinformatics analysis for next-generation sequencing

Experience in managing greenhouse operations.

Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Operate a motor vehicle.

Occasional work outdoors in all types of weather may be necessary.

May require maneuvering and transporting 25-40 lbs.

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: Beth Rowan

beth.rowan@oregonstate.edu

530-760-8991

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 our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the 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 at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/5599233

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