Part-Time Plant Biology Research Assistant (Student)

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Penn State University's Laboratory Assistant position supports plant biology research across greenhouse operations, tissue culture, and routine lab activities. You will help maintain plants, prepare materials, and assist with large-scale experiments under supervision.

The role requires hands-on practice in both greenhouse and laboratory settings, strict adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to follow procedures while learning new techniques to advance ongoing research projects.

Qualifications

• Hands-on support for plant biology experiments in greenhouse and lab.
• Ability to follow established protocols and learn new techniques.
• Comfort working in both greenhouse and laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with greenhouse and growth-room operations, including watering, fertilization, plant maintenance, pest monitoring, and general plant care.
• Prepare and maintain greenhouse growing media, propagation materials, and planting supplies.
• Assist with large-scale plantings, transplanting, propagation, and harvesting of research plants.
• Prepare tissue culture media, including measuring reagents, preparing solutions, dispensing media, and assisting with sterilization and storage.
• Assist with plant tissue culture and propagation activities, including maintaining cultures and preparing materials for experiments.
• Support laboratory personnel with routine molecular biology and laboratory tasks, as appropriate and following established protocols.
• Assist with preparation of buffers, solutions, reagents, and other laboratory materials.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked greenhouse and laboratory workspaces.
• Assist with sample collection, labeling, organization, and record keeping.
• Help maintain laboratory and greenhouse equipment, supplies, and inventories.
• Follow established laboratory, greenhouse, biosafety, and safety procedures.
• Assist research staff with ongoing experiments and other projects as needed.
• Perform other related duties in support of laboratory research and plant production activities.

Skills

Greenhouse operations

Plant propagation

Tissue culture

Molecular biology

Laboratory safety

Job description

Penn State University's Laboratory Assistant position supports plant biology research across greenhouse operations, tissue culture, and routine lab activities. You will help maintain plants, prepare materials, and assist with large-scale experiments under supervision.

The role requires hands-on practice in both greenhouse and laboratory settings, strict adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to follow procedures while learning new techniques to advance ongoing research projects.