Sutton Plant Clinic Lab

Position Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Sutton Plant Clinic Lab for the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University (OSU).

We are seeking a student to work in the molecular lab at the OSU Plant Clinic to assist with plant disease diagnosis. The student will perform DNA and RNA extractions, PCR assays, gel electrophoreses, imaging and annotating gels.

The student will also communicate results to the supervisor, wash labware, autoclave materials, and perform other general lab duties.

The student must be detail oriented and capable of following step-by-step instructions accurately. We are seeking a team player who is comfortable working independently and able to ask for help when needed.

The student must be available to work during spring break and summers.This is a great opportunity for motivated and curious students looking to get hands on training with techniques in molecular biology, to learn from working researchers, and to solidify knowledge learned through coursework. Position Duties

• 40% Extracting DNA and RNA from plant tissue, fungal and bacterial colonies
• 40% Performing molecular assays, including PCR and qPCR
• 10% Performing gel electrophoresis, imaging, and annotating gels
• 10% Washing dishes, autoclaving materials, other general lab duties

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

• Be available to work during spring break and summers
• Be able to commit at least 8 hours a week
• Have a high school or OSU GPA >
• Have excellent English communication skills, both oral and written

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

• Be majoring in biology or a related field
• Experience with plant pathology molecular diagnostics DNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis is preferred, although we are willing to train the right student.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule