Research Technical Assistant

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for two Undergraduate Student Technical Assistants in Plant Molecular and Genetic Engineering within the Department of Horticulture. You will assist with cloning, PCR, tissue culture, and genotyping in a genomics-focused research group, under supervision.

The role supports lab operations, data collection, and routine tasks, with a minimum of 10 hours per week and a start date in 2026.

Qualifications

• Plant molecular biology knowledge and basic cloning techniques are required.
• Experience with cloning techniques and plant tissue culture is essential.
• Basic laboratory skills and the ability to work in a lab environment are expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform Golden Gate cloning of transgenic cassette.
• Perform Real-Time PCR.
• Propagate plant tissue material in tissue culture conditions.
• Prepare culture media for plants and bacteria.
• Contribute to common tasks in the lab.

Skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Technology

Laboratory skills

Education

Plant Molecular Biology

Experience with cloning techniques

Basic plant molecular biology

Tools

Golden Gate cloning

Real-Time PCR

Job description

Department:

Job Description:

This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) undergraduate student part-time (a maximum of 15 hours per week) in Plant Molecular and Genetic Engineering for the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University (OSU).

The two Research Technical Assistants will join a Research Group in the Department of Horticulture at OSU working on functional genomics and gene editing technology in winegrapes. Under the direct supervision of a Research Associate and a PhD student, the two assistants will develop a series of transgenic cassettes via Golden Gate cloning for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, select transgenic plants, maintain plant tissue culture, and assist with genotyping and phenotyping transformants.

The Undergraduate Student Technical Assistant performs routine to complex technical tasks in support of research or administrative work which includes laboratory, green house, field plot, data collection, simple analysis, or the care and maintenance of animals.

Position Duties:

• Perform Golden Gate cloning of transgenic cassette
• Perform Real-Time PCR
• Propagate plant tissue material in tissue culture conditions
• Prepare culture media for plants and bacteria
• Contribute to common tasks in the lab

Transferable Skill Development

OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:

Communication, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Technology

Qualifications:

Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard

*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered "full-time" by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.

Required Qualifications:

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Experience with cloning techniques
• experience with basic plant molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications:

• Plant Biology
• Plant tissue propagation
• trained to work in sterile conditions

Working Conditions/Schedule:

A minimum of 10 hours per week

Anticipated Start Date:

2026-08-24

Anticipated End Date:

2027-09-01

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.

Note:All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval