0097627T Research Support HRPP Seed Lab

University-of-Hawaii-System; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Lyon Arboretum, seeks a Research Support Staff to assist in the Seed Conservation Laboratory operations, including seed curation and data management. The role supports germplasm conservation research and seed storage strategy development for native Hawaiian plants.

The position involves training volunteers and coordinating activities with partners, with a focus on maintaining seed viability and lab equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
• Knowledge of seed banking and germination.
• Familiarity with threatened/endangered species handling.
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operation of the Hawaiian Rare Plant Program Seed Conservation Laboratory including seed collection curation and data maintenance.
• Contribute to germplasm conservation research and seed conservation strategies for native Hawaiian plants.
• Process and document seed collections and maintain research data inventories.
• Maintain seed germplasm viability through testing and protocol refinement.
• Prepare media stock solutions and materials for germination/viability testing.
• Provide seed bank training and technical information to partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Seed banking

Plant propagation

Laboratory experience

Data management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Horticulture, Plant Science, Ecology

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

0097627T Research Support HRPP Seed Lab | University of Hawai'i page has loaded.

2026-02135

Department

University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Lyon Arboretum

Title: Research Support Staff Position Number: 0097627T

Hiring Unit: C OF TA & HR, LYON ARBORETUM, LYON ARBORETUM

Location: UH at Manoa Date Posted:

Closing Date:

Band: A

Salary: salary schedules and placement information Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Duties and Responsibilities

• *Assists in the operation of the Hawaiian Rare Plant Program - Seed Conservation Laboratory, including curation of seed collections, maintenance of associated records and databases, and propagation of native Hawaiian plants from seed.
• *Contributes to germplasm conservation research and the implementation of established and new seed conservation and storage strategies for native Hawaiian plants, including rare, threatened, and endangered taxa.
• *Processes, accessions, documents, and stores incoming seed collections; enters and maintains accession and research data; and provides analytical support to the Seed Conservation Laboratory Manager.
• *Maintains the integrity and viability of seed germplasm collections through routine monitoring, germination and other viability testing, and assistance with the development and refinement of conservation protocols.
• *Prepares growing media, stock solutions, and other materials required for seed germination and viability testing.
• *Assists in providing technical information and seed bank training to partners and stakeholders through presentations, demonstrations, and written materials.
• *Prepares and documents seed and other plant materials for transfer from the Seed Conservation Laboratory to partner organizations.
• *Provides instruction and training to volunteers, interns, and student assistants on established laboratory procedures and assists in coordinating their assigned work.
• *Assists with routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, reports equipment requiring specialized repair, and maintains accurate inventories of laboratory supplies and chemicals.
• Assists with Seed Conservation Laboratory tours and other outreach activities for visiting donors, schools, partners, and community groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biology, Botany, Horticulture, Plant Science, Ecology, or related field and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for biological laboratory work, including seed banking, plant conservation, and/or plant propagation; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of seed banking, germination and viability testing, and/or plant propagation demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with the handling of threatened and endangered plant species.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of seed conservation and/or germplasm laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and spreadsheet and database software.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting, with knowledge and application of general laboratory concepts, terminology, procedures, safety practices, and equipment.
• Experience with record-keeping, data entry, and management of biological or research data.

Desirable Qualifications

• At least one (1) year of conservation seed banking experience.
• Working knowledge of the native Hawaiian flora.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Access or similar relational database software.
• Experience assisting with seed conservation research, protocol development, or evaluation of new conservation methods.
• Experience providing instruction or training to students, interns, volunteers, or other personnel in laboratory or technical procedures.
• Experience with seed processing/cleaning, accessioning or management of biological collections, germination or viability testing, conservation seed banking, native plant propagation, or biological data management.

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/