Laboratory Assistant Blueberry Virus Vectors

Position Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Laboratory Assistant position for the Horticulture Department at Oregon State University (OSU).

Be part of a research team developing sustainable pest management. We are investigating the transmission of blueberry viruses by aphids in the field.

The incumbent for this position will assist with all laboratory duties involved in processing insect samples for species identification and virus testing.

Position Duties Assist with processing field samples and mounting aphids for morphological identification (40%), perform RNA extractions for virus testing (40%).

Maintain tidy laboratory and greenhouse areas by organizing, cleaning, storing, labeling, watering, weeding and pruning (10%).

Enter data into spreadsheets (10%). Minimum Qualifications Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here :

• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standardHigh School student : Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling programUndergraduate and post-baccalaureate student : 6 credit hours per termUndergraduate international student : 12 credit hours per term*Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School : 5 credit hours per termGraduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School : 9 credit hours per term*
• International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered full-time by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

A reduced course load is approved by the (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center. Additional Required Qualifications

• College-level or AP laboratory course (in person) such as chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or similar.
• Experience with laboratory methodologies and safety protocols (perform accurate and precise measurements, preparation of solutions, pipetting, maintaining a sterile work space to avoid cross-contamination, use of personal protective equipment for hazardous chemicals, use of fume hoods).
• Attention to detail with repetitive tasks.
• Work will be done in a USDA Federal building, and fingerprinting and background check will be required.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Work hours : Part-time, 8-16 h per week. Work days and hours can be flexible. An unpaid midday break is required when working 6+ h / d.
• Start date : Early October, for a minimum of 20 weeks with potential to be extended.
30+ days ago