Part Time - Student - Plant Science-Plant Molecular Biology Assistant (Guiltinan Lab)

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park seeks a Laboratory Assistant to support plant biology research across greenhouse operations, propagation, tissue culture, and routine lab activities. The role involves collaboration with research staff to maintain plants and experiments and prepare essential materials.

The position requires hands-on work in both greenhouse and laboratory environments, performing repetitive tasks, following established protocols, and learning new techniques as needed.

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

Tissue culture

Molecular biology basics

Laboratory safety

Tools

Sterilization techniques

Job description

Job Description and Position Requirements

The Laboratory Assistant will provide hands‑on support for ongoing plant biology research, with responsibilities spanning greenhouse operations, plant propagation, tissue culture, and general laboratory activities. The position will work closely with research staff and laboratory personnel to maintain plants and experiments, prepare materials and reagents, and assist with large-scale experimental activities.

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.

Primary 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.

Position Characteristics

This position is intended to provide practical, hands‑on assistance to laboratory and research staff. The successful candidate should be comfortable working in both laboratory and greenhouse environments, performing repetitive or physically demanding plant-related tasks when necessary, following established protocols, and learning new techniques.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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.