Part-time Research Assistant

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Soilborne Disease Ecology Lab at Penn State University seeks an undergraduate or recent graduate to assist with soilborne disease projects in the lab, greenhouse, and field. The role involves following safety protocols, learning to make buffers and lab solutions, and performing molecular tasks such as DNA extractions and PCR runs under supervision.

You will process soil and plant samples, collect field materials with Crandall lab members, and communicate effectively with supervisors.

Qualifications

• Pursues or recently completed an undergraduate program in a relevant field.
• Willingness to follow safety and research protocols.
• Ability to learn buffer preparation and basic molecular tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in lab, greenhouse, and field projects.
• Learn DNA extractions and PCR/qPCR tasks under supervision.
• Process soil and plant samples and collect field samples with lab members.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and work independently when needed.

Skills

Lab safety

Molecular biology basics

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate student or recent graduate

Tools

DNA extraction

PCR/qPCR basics

Buffer preparation

Job description

Remote / Hybrid Work

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Soilborne Disease Ecology Lab within the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology seeks an undergraduate or recent grad to join our vibrant research group at Pennsylvania State University. The candidate will assist in various soilborne disease projects in the lab, greenhouse, and field. Our research focuses on microbial ecology and microbiome research. Examples of topics include fungal/oomycete endophyte community dynamics, disease diagnostics of potato, maize, grapevine, strawberry and dispersal of soilborne pathogens across ecological scales.

The candidate should: possess the ability to follow safety and research protocols, be willing to learn how to make buffers and lab solutions, conduct molecular lab tasks such as DNA extractions and run PCRs/qPCRs, process incoming soil and plant samples, and collect field samples together with Crandall lab members. Candidates should also be able to effectively communicate with supervisors and have the ability to perform independent tasks. A plus would be direct experience working with plants, soil, and microbial culturing. This position may require the ability to lift around 50 pounds of weight with or without accommodation.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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