Biological Sciences Research Technician 1: Plant Pathology (Internal Employment Opportunity)

OSU Oregon State University; Madras (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center (COAREC) at Oregon State University in Madras, OR seeks a Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 to support its Plant Pathology program. This part-time role (~24 hours/week) includes both lab and field work.

Responsibilities include field plot establishment, sample collection, DNA extractions, PCR/qPCR, data management, and sequencing preparation. Two years of college coursework in related sciences and lab experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level courses in plant pathology, molecular biology, genetics, or microbiology with one year of related experience.
• Experience working in a research laboratory or field setting.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish field plots at COAREC or grower locations.
• Plant and soil sample collection.
• Record field measurements and data.
• Process and analyze samples in the lab.
• Conduct DNA extractions, PCR, qPCR, and prepare DNA samples for sequencing.
• Data management, logging samples, and organizing data files.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular biology

Genetics

Microbiology

Laboratory experience

Education

Two-year college coursework

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

DNA Extraction

PCR/qPCR

Sanger sequencing

Job description

Department: Central Oregon Experiment Station

Job Summary

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (approximately 24-hours per week), Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 position at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center (COAREC) for the Central Oregon Experiment State at Oregon State University (OSU). This position is located in Madras, OR. Seeking a research technician to support the COAREC Plant Pathology research program in Madras, Oregon. Program goals include working to advance our understanding of diseases impacting high-value specialty crops grown in this region, with the ultimate goal of improved and sustainable plant disease management.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in establishing field plots at COAREC and/or grower field locations
• Plant and soil sample collection
• Collection of field measurements and data
• Process and analyze incoming samples in the laboratory
• Conduct DNA extractions, PCR, qPCR, and prepare DNA samples for Sanger sequencing
• Data management, including organization, sample logging, quality control, and organization of data files in laboratory notebook and/or drive

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level courses in (plant pathology, molecular biology, genetics, and/or microbiology) and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience working in a research laboratory and/or field setting
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace environment for individuals with a range of different backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and/or life experiences.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in plant or crop science, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics or a related field
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, plant pathology/microbiology

Working Conditions / Schedule

This will be a position that is typically works between the hours of 8-5pm M-F. On rare occasion will the candidate need to work evenings or weekends. Approximately 80% of time will be spent in office or lab environment. The other 20% in the field, greenhouse or outside. Field conditions can be hot and dusty.

Salary Range

$18.06 - $23.88

Anticipated Start Date

2026-11-01

Equal Opportunity Employer

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