Faculty Research Assistant

Oregon State University; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon State University’s North Willamette Research and Extension Center invites applications for 3 full-time Faculty Research Assistant positions focused on blueberry production systems. You will conduct field research, collect and analyze data, and help translate findings into practical grower guidance.

Responsibilities include managing experiments from design to reporting, preparing outreach materials, and collaborating with researchers and extension staff to support grant-funded projects in

Qualifications

• B.S. in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology and entomology, or a related field.
• Knowledge in experimental design and statistical analysis; proficiency with data management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and in teams.
• Experience with berry crops or fruit cropping systems.
• Ability to obtain Oregon pesticide applicator license within 120 days of hire.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and greenhouse research to support grant-funded projects in blueberry production and related areas.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including tractors for weed control and site maintenance.
• Collect, record, and analyze data; prepare reports and statistical analyses for publications and presentations.
• Prepare materials for peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed outputs and conference presentations.
• Create educational outreach materials and coordinate workshops and events.
• Install data recording equipment and summarize sensor data for analyses.
• Summarize classroom survey results for impact measurements and teaching evaluation.

Skills

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Office software

Data management

Verbal and written communication

Independent and team work

Diversity and inclusion experience

Pesticide applicator license timeline

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology and entomology, or a related field

M.S. in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology, or entomology

Tools

Farm/research-field equipment experience

Pesticide applications experience

Berry production familiarity Willamette Valley

Job description

Department

North Willamette Research and Extension Center

Department

North Willamette Research and Extension Center

For Additional Information Please Contact

Wei Yang

[e-mail]

Job Summary

The North Willamette Research and Extension Center invites applications for 3 full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant positions. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

Join Oregon State University’s nationally recognized berry research and extension program and contribute to innovative, applied research that directly impacts the Pacific Northwest fruit industry. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of horticultural science, technology innovation, and grower outreach. The Faculty Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting grant‑funded projects focused on blueberry production systems, including mechanical harvesting, pruning, blueberry fruit quality evaluation, rootstock evaluation, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management. Working both independently and collaboratively, the successful candidate will conduct field research, collect and analyze data, prepare technical reports and materials for various publications, and help translate research findings into practical recommendations for growers and industry stakeholders.

Key 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. Collect, analyze, and report on greenhouse, and field research studies.
• 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 non‑peer 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.

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology, entomology, or a related field.
• Experience operating farm or research‑field equipment.
• Experience with pesticide applications.
• Familiarity with berry production systems in the Willamette Valley.
• Experience preparing publications and reports for grant reporting.
• Experience managing website and social media platform content.

Salary Range

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

Anticipated Start Date

2026-08-31

Anticipated End Date

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job‑related pre‑employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre‑employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].