Research Support Staff

University-of-Hawaii-System; Kapaa (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC) seeks a Research Support Staff to assist in laboratory analyses, plant diagnostics, and pest management research. The role supports senior staff and operates within ADSC’s diagnostic workflow.

The position emphasizes routine assays, molecular techniques, and data logging, with a focus on environmentally friendly plant health solutions and timely sample

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, plant pathology, entomology or related field.
• Knowledge of analysis of disease causal agents and pests.
• Understanding of pesticide usage principles and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and prepare reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proficient in computer usage and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Assists with laboratory analysis and tests on plant specimens.
• Assists higher level professionals in selecting diagnostic tests.
• Identifies disease causal agents using plant pathology techniques.
• Supports senior staff in recognizing symptoms and identification.
• Drafts pest and disease management reports for senior review.
• Maintains the ADSC computer database and reports.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Pest/disease identification

Data entry

Report writing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, plant pathology, entomology or related field

Tools

Molecular assays

DNA/RNA sequencing preparation

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Research Support Staff (0097700T, CTAHR/CARES/Wahiawa)

Full-Time Temporary

Job Number

2026-02106

University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience

Title: Research Support Staff (CTAHR/CARES)

Position Number: 0097700T

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC)

Date Posted: October 5, 2026

Closing Date: October 16, 2026, 11:59PM HST

Other Conditions: All application materials should be submitted by October 16, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists with laboratory analysis and tests on plant specimens submitted to the ADSC for the diagnoses of potential disease causal agents.
• **Assists higher level professionals in the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests necessary to confirm or dispel disease causal agents on a wide range of crops.
• **Assists higher level professionals in the identification of disease causal agents using basic plant pathology techniques to isolate, selectively culture and morphologically identify suspect fungal or bacterial plant disease microorganisms.
• ** Supports senior associates in the recognition of symptoms, confirm and identify disease causal agents on a wide variety of crops by referral to UH-Manoa specialists or other agencies.
• ** Assists senior research associates and specialists with laboratory and greenhouse studies to confirm pathogenicity of disease causal agents on a wide variety of crops. Determines if unknown disease agent or recently discovered disease is responsible.
• ** Performs routine diagnostic assays, such as soil baiting techniques, under the guidance of the Research Associate to help identify plant pathogens.
• ** Executes established molecular assays, including DNA and RNA sequencing preparation, to support the rapid identification of recovered arthropod, fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode pests.
• ** Supports the coordinates and execution of technical procedures for the identification of arthropod pests submitted to the ADSC.
• ** Monitors and documents arthropod pest signs, symptoms, and plant damage to assist the Research Associate in final identification.
• ** Conducts literature review of environmentally friendly pest and disease management resources to minimize the recommendation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered chemical pesticides.
• ** Drafts pest identification and disease management recommendation reports for evaluation and final approval by a senior research associate.
• ** Aids in the identification of plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, insect parasites and predators for the purpose of making environmentally friendly recommendations.
• ** Observes and logs typical signs and symptoms of plant-parasitic nematode infectionsfor further diagnostic review by senior research associates and specialists.
• ** Maintains and updates the ADSC computer database, ensuring all analytical service records and reports are accurately logged, organized, and exportable as text or CSV files.
• Respond and resolve agricultural diagnostic inquiries from the general public.
• Other duties as assigned

*Denotes Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, plant pathology, entomology or related field and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for in N/A; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of analysis of disease causal agents and/or pests as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with pesticide usage.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of laboratory analysis of disease and/or pest management.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with identifying common signs and symptoms of infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases and arthropod pest plant damage on a wide variety of crops.
• Basic knowledge of instruments, techniques and methods used to process, culture, and prepare bacterial, fungal, viral, nematode, and arthropod samples for further analysis.
• Proficiency in core laboratory skills, including to isolate microorganisms under sterile conditions; and to prepare arthropods for microscopic examination including pinning, fixing, staining, and slide mounting.
• Understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) principles to assist in researching non-chemical control tactics and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Ability to accurately compile laboratory findings, draft preliminary technical reports, and clearly communicate data to the Research Associate and team members.

Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Inquiries: Dr. Kevin Olival, [e-mail]

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/.