Research Associate (Internal Employment Opportunity)

OSU Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

Oregon State University in Corvallis invites applications for a full-time Research Associate in the Botany & Plant Pathology department to support genome-enabled research on Sphaerulina musiva and Populus. The role focuses on computational analysis of genome sequences and host–pathogen interactions, with mentorship of student workers.

The appointment is 12 months, full-time, with a start anticipated in 2027, and requires a PhD in a life science field, strong wet-lab and bioinformatics skills,

Qualifications

• PhD in a life science field.
• Strong wet-lab and bioinformatic research experience.
• Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent research, and intellectual creativity.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive excellence.
• Record of/work with underrepresented or underserved students or audiences is preferred.
• Experience in microbiology, microbe–microbe or plant–microbe interactions is desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Uses computational methods to study genome sequences of fungi.
• Uses computational methods to study genome sequences to understand gene expression in Populus.
• Analyze data/findings and contribute to publication material.
• Mentor students.
• Assign tasks for student workers.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Wet lab

Independent research

Inclusive excellence

Education

PhD in life science

Job description

Job Summary

Department: Botany & Plant Pathology. This is an internal employment opportunity. The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed term Research Associate position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. This position exists to support genome-enabled research on Sphaerulina musiva and Populus. The incumbent will be responsible for using computational methods to study genome sequences to understand host parasite interactions in the Sphaerulina – Populus pathosystem. College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.

Key Responsibilities

• Uses computational methods to study genome sequences of fungi.
• Uses computational methods to study genome sequences to understand gene expression in Populus.
• Analyze data/ findings and contribute to publication material.
• Mentor students.
• Assign tasks for student workers.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in a life science field.
• Strong wet-lab and bioinformatic research experience.
• Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent research, and intellectual creativity.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive excellence.
• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved students or other audiences.
• Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.
• Research experience in microbiology, microbe–microbe interactions, plant–microbe interactions, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or cell biology.
• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in working collaboratively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Working Conditions/Schedule

Work is performed primarily in laboratory and office settings on the Corvallis campus, with occasional greenhouse and field work. Involves handling fungal plant pathogens, laboratory chemicals, and equipment under standard biosafety and laboratory safety protocols. Regular Monday–Friday schedule with flexibility; occasional evening or weekend work may be needed for time-sensitive experiments. Occasional travel to scientific conferences and collaborator laboratories.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.

Anticipated Start/End Dates

Anticipated Start Date: 2027-02-01
Anticipated End Date: 2027-06-30

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life.
• OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical care insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].

At Oregon State University, no qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the University. If requested, OSU will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing and selection process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application to receive an accommodation. Please request any reasonable accommodations for disability as early as possible in the application and search process. Requests may be directed to the hiring unit, or to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. See Request an Accommodation Procedures for the OSU policy. Oregon State University, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including Title IX and its regulations, does not unlawfully discriminate and prohibits discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including in academic admissions and employment. The university prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin (including ancestry and ethnicity), citizenship, marital or family status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status / service in the uniformed service, or any other status protected by law or OSU policy. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to OSU’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (link to https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr), or both. OSU’s Title IX Coordinator is the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA). For information on OSU’s nondiscrimination policy and procedures, including how to report information about conduct that may constitute discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, contact EOA by phone: [phone], email: [e-mail], mail/location: 330 Snell Hall, Corvallis OR 97331, or visit EOA’s website: eoa.oregonstate.edu. Know Your Rights Oregon Family Leave Act: Department of Labor Family and Medical Leave Act: