Student Technical Assistant

Oregon State University; Norwalk (CA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Oregon State University is seeking student technical assistants for the Forest Biotechnology Laboratory within the Forest Ecosystems and Society department. Positions are part-time (up to 24 hours per week) with training provided and opportunities to work in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field setting.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab duties, data collection, and basic molecular biology support, with a focus on developing essential career-readiness skills in communication, critical thinking,

Qualifications

• Must be academically enrolled and pursuing a program or course of study.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct work independently.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Responsibilities

• General laboratory maintenance: bulk media preparation, washing dishes, plant care, lab cleaning, autoclaving, tissue propagation, and related tasks.
• Research support: data collection/entry, plant tissue propagation, bulk media prep, basic molecular biology.
• Work primarily in the lab with potential duties in greenhouse or field as needed.

Skills

Punctuality

Dependability

Independent work

Diversity commitment

Education

Currently enrolled student

Job description

Department

Forest Ecosystems and Society

Special Instructions to Applicants

For additional information please contact: Dana Howe at [e-mail]

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

Job Description

This recruitment will be used to fill up to three part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Student Technical Assistant in the Forest Biotechnology Laboratory in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU).

Additional information about the lab can be found at https://biotechlab.forestry.oregonstate.edu/ . All required training will be provided.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year; applicants will be contacted as positions become available.

Position Duties

• General laboratory maintenance work: These tasks may include bulk media preparation, washing dishes, watering and maintaining growth chamber/greenhouse plants, sweeping/mopping the laboratory space, autoclaving, plant tissue propagation/transfers and other miscellaneous tasks.
• Research support: These tasks may include data collection, data entry, plant tissue propagation/transfers, bulk media preparation, and basic molecular biology.
• The majority of work will be performed in the laboratory, but incumbents must be willing to assist in the greenhouse or field as needed.

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 High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
• Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
• Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
• Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*

*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

• Interest in Forestry, Horticulture or Biotechnology.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct work independently.
• A record of punctuality, dependability, and engagement in previous employment positions.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Working Conditions/Schedule

• All work will be conducted in a laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field site and may involve sitting, standing, lifting <25 lbs., pipetting, computer/screen work, or microscope work.
• Flexible scheduling around classes and other commitments but must be available on weekdays during standard business hours.
• Occasional weekend hours may be available.

Salary Range

15.55

Anticipated Start Date

2026-10-13