Berry Research Assistant: Field & Lab Data in Horticulture

Oregon State University; Aurora (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Willamette Research and Extension Center at Oregon State University invites applications for three full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant positions. Join OSU’s nationally recognized berry research and extension program and contribute to applied research impacting the Pacific Northwest fruit industry.

The role supports projects on blueberry production systems, including mechanical harvesting, pruning, fruit quality evaluation, rootstock performance, plant

Qualifications

• B.S. in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology and entomology, or a related field.
• Knowledge in designing experiments and statistical analysis, Office software or comparable word processing, and data management programs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with berry crops or fruit cropping systems.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team atmosphere.
• Ability to obtain an Oregon Demonstration/Research pesticide applicator's license within 120 days of hiring.
• Professional experience assisting diverse populations and/or diverse learners, such as non-traditional, online, international students, and/or groups historically underrepresented in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and greenhouse research to support grant funded projects, including mechanical harvesting, pruning, blueberry fruit quality evaluation, rootstock evaluation, plant nutrition, and pest management.
• Field research activities will include driving a tractor to mow grasses and apply pesticides to maintain a weed and disease free research plot; and maintaining, harvesting, and evaluating plants used in the experiments.
• Collect, record and analyzed research data, such as plant physical measurements, disease incidence and severity, and provide statistical analysis and written reports on results for research trials.
• Prepare reports for use in peer-reviewed and nonpeer reviewed publications, and/or for presentation at scientific symposiums/conferences.
• Create educational materials such as posters, slide shows, resource notebooks, manuals, to be published for education outreach. Coordinate workshops, speakers and event logistics, and oversee the registration process.
• Install data recording equipment and measurement sensors. Record, analyze and summarize data.
• Collect and summarize classroom survey results for impact measurements and teaching evaluation review.

Skills

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Verbal and written communication

Berry crops experience

Independent work

Education

B.S. in horticulture or related field

Job description

The North Willamette Research and Extension Center at Oregon State University invites applications for three full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant positions. Join OSU’s nationally recognized berry research and extension program and contribute to applied research impacting the Pacific Northwest fruit industry.

The role supports projects on blueberry production systems, including mechanical harvesting, pruning, fruit quality evaluation, rootstock performance, plant