Part-Time Plant Molecular Biology Research Assistant

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in Pennsylvania is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to provide hands-on support for plant biology research, including greenhouse operations, plant propagation, tissue culture, and routine lab tasks.

You will work with research staff to maintain plants and experiments, prepare materials and reagents, assist with large-scale plantings, and help with documentation and safety procedures. This role blends field and lab work on a research campus.

Responsibilities

• Assist greenhouse and growth-room operations, including watering and plant maintenance.
• Prepare greenhouse growing media, propagation materials, and planting supplies.
• Assist with large-scale plantings, transplantation, and harvesting of research plants.
• Prepare tissue culture media and assist with sterilization and storage procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized greenhouse and laboratory spaces and proper inventories.
• Support routine molecular biology tasks following established protocols.

Skills

Plant care

Tissue culture

Lab assistance

Pipetting

Tools

Growth chambers

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Penn State University in Pennsylvania is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to provide hands-on support for plant biology research, including greenhouse operations, plant propagation, tissue culture, and routine lab tasks.

You will work with research staff to maintain plants and experiments, prepare materials and reagents, assist with large-scale plantings, and help with documentation and safety procedures. This role blends field and lab work on a research campus.