Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant – Plant Pathology and Microbiology

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA seeks two part-time Undergraduate Research Assistants to support the Global Change Pathology Laboratory. You will prepare media, culture bacteria, inoculate plants, assess disease, and contribute to molecular biology work with supervision from graduate researchers.

Successful candidates will be trained in lab safety, aseptic technique, plant pathology methods, and data organization.

Qualifications

• Prior laboratory or research experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow written protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Willingness to learn laboratory techniques and plant pathology methods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological media and materials for experiments.
• Culture and maintain bacteria; prepare inoculum and perform plant inoculations.
• Conduct disease assessments and basic molecular biology procedures.
• Assist growth chamber experiments and organize samples and data.

Skills

Lab skills

Detail oriented

Independent learner

Team player

Education

Undergraduate student

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology seeks two part-time Undergraduate Research Assistants to support research activities in the Global Change Pathology Laboratory.

Primary activities will include preparation of microbiological media and materials, bacterial culturing and maintenance, preparation of bacterial inoculum, plant inoculations, disease assessment, basic molecular biology procedures, growth chamber experiments, and organization of experimental samples and data.

The students will work closely with graduate researchers and will receive training in laboratory safety, aseptic technique, bacterial culture, plant pathology methods, and basic experimental procedures. Additional responsibilities may be assigned depending on ongoing research needs and the students’ level of training. The successful candidates should be dependable, organized, attentive to detail, and willing to learn laboratory and controlled-environment plant research techniques. Previous laboratory or research experience is preferred but not required. Students should be able to follow written protocols, maintain accurate records, work independently after training, and communicate effectively with members of the research team.

Location: Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Buckhout Laboratory, University Park, PA

Compensation: $15 per hour

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

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