Maize Genetics Research Support Assistant (Part-Time)

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 16,531,200 - 33,062,400; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences seeks part-time research support assistants to assist Dr. Ruairidh Sawers and his group in laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based plant genetic research.

The assistants will work semi-independently under general supervision to perform a range of standard lab tasks. They will support the Sawers group maize genetics program, including seed inventory, planting prep, controlled pollinations, harvest, data collection, and

Qualifications

• Background check(s) as per University policies.
• Organizational and communication skills for coordinating field activities across multiple seasons and sites.
• Basic proficiency in molecular biology, database management, and spreadsheet software.

Responsibilities

• Support the Sawers group maize genetics program; duties include seed inventory, preparation for planting in greenhouse and field nurseries, conducting controlled pollinations, harvest, and seed sorting; coordinate field activities across growing seasons and sites.
• Maintain knowledge of molecular biology to communicate with group members and support wet-lab progress; use shared databases and spreadsheets; stay organized and professional.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Molecular biology basics

Tools

Database management

Spreadsheet software

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences seeks part-time research support assistants to assist Dr. Ruairidh Sawers and his group in laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based plant genetic research.

The assistants will work semi-independently under general supervision to perform a range of standard lab tasks. They will support the Sawers group maize genetics program, including seed inventory, planting prep, controlled pollinations, harvest, data collection, and