Part-Time Research Assistant, Microbial Ecology Lab

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

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.