Scientific Assistant | Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation leave

Holiday pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Job summary

The Scientific Assistant position with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University’s Pullman campus offers a role focused on complex laboratory analyses, experimental design, and data interpretation to advance major research projects. The candidate will contribute to quality control, troubleshoot procedures, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a biology or microbiology background, multiple years of lab experience, and willingness to work with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or closely related discipline.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional research experience, two in a laboratory.
• Ability to follow pre-established scientific procedures and protocols.
• Willingness to work with animals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct highly complex, advanced laboratory analyses and support specialized research initiatives.
• Design, modify, and adapt procedures to meet project requirements.
• Evaluate research data and ensure quality control throughout the research process.
• Contribute substantive suggestions for methodological improvements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or microbiology

Master’s degree substitute for up to 1 year experience

Tools

Laboratory terminology & procedures

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:October 18, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.Available Title(s):1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific AssistantBusiness Title:Scientific Assistant | Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyEmployee Type:Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)Position Details:The Opportunity:As a Scientific Assistant for Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology , with the College of Veterinary Medicine , you will conduct highly complex, advanced technical laboratory analyses and apply your expertise to support specialized research initiatives. You will design, select, modify, and/or adapt procedures to meet specific project requirements, evaluate research data, and ensure quality control throughout the research process. Your contributions will include making substantive suggestions for improvements in techniques and interpretation, drawing on your significant, in-depth knowledge of the specific area of study. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in advancing research outcomes through technical excellence, analytical expertise, and innovative problem-solving.Additional Information:This is a full ( 100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on October 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.Monthly Salary: $3,750.85- $5,397.56 | Commensurate with experience and qualificationsIn accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .Required Qualifications:A Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or closely related discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience, two (2) years of which must have been performed in a laboratory. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.Ability to follow pre-established scientific procedures and/or protocols.Willingness to work with animals.Preferred Qualifications:Microbiology with experience in molecular biology and immunology.Knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials, and procedures, and the fundamental laboratory methods relating micro- and cell biology.Prior work experience performing standardized laboratory tests according to prescribed procedures, calculating and recording test results, maintaining a clean, sterile and safe laboratory environment, and keeping detailed inventory of materials and samples.Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorshipAbout Department/College/Area/ Campus - Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology | College of Veterinary Medicine | Washington State UniversityArea/College: College of Veterinary MedicineDepartment Name: Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyLocation: Pullman campus, Bustad HallApplication Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.1) Resume2) Cover LetterExternal candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.Time Type:Full timePosition Term:12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail] .Notice of Non-DiscriminationIn matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/