Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant – Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park, PA seeks two part-time Undergraduate Research Assistants for the Global Change Pathology Laboratory. You will assist with plant-associated and plant-pathogenic bacteria projects, handling media preparation, culturing, inoculations, and data organization under supervision.

Training will cover lab safety, aseptic technique, and basic molecular biology procedures. Prior lab experience is helpful but not required; strong attention to detail is essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate students with strong reliability and willingness to learn lab methods.
• Ability to follow written protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Experience or interest in plant pathology and microbiology is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological media and materials.
• Bacterial culturing and maintenance of strains.
• Prepare inoculum and perform plant inoculations.
• Conduct disease assessment and data collection.
• Assist with growth chamber experiments and sample organization.

Skills

Dependable

Organized

Detail-oriented

Effective communicator

Willing to learn lab techniques

Education

Undergraduate student in relevant field

Tools

Aseptic technique

Bacterial culture

Growth chamber experiments

Job description

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

The individuals will assist with ongoing research projects focused on plant-associated and plant-pathogenic bacteria. 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.

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.