Lab-Based Plant Pathology Research Assistant (Part-Time)

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park, PA seeks two part-time Undergraduate Research Assistants for the Global Change Pathology Laboratory. You will assist with plant-associated and plant-pathogenic bacteria projects, handling media preparation, culturing, inoculations, and data organization under supervision.

Training will cover lab safety, aseptic technique, and basic molecular biology procedures. Prior lab experience is helpful but not required; strong attention to detail is essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate students with strong reliability and willingness to learn lab methods.
• Ability to follow written protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Experience or interest in plant pathology and microbiology is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological media and materials.
• Bacterial culturing and maintenance of strains.
• Prepare inoculum and perform plant inoculations.
• Conduct disease assessment and data collection.
• Assist with growth chamber experiments and sample organization.

Skills

Dependable

Organized

Detail-oriented

Effective communicator

Willing to learn lab techniques

Education

Undergraduate student in relevant field

Tools

Aseptic technique

Bacterial culture

Growth chamber experiments

Job description

Penn State University in University Park, PA seeks two part-time Undergraduate Research Assistants for the Global Change Pathology Laboratory. You will assist with plant-associated and plant-pathogenic bacteria projects, handling media preparation, culturing, inoculations, and data organization under supervision.

Training will cover lab safety, aseptic technique, and basic molecular biology procedures. Prior lab experience is helpful but not required; strong attention to detail is essential.