Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1

Oregon State University; Central Point (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Temporary Biological Science Research Technician to support vital research in viticulture. This part-time role involves assisting researchers with field trials, data collection, and laboratory analyses. Ideal candidates will have a background in biological sciences and experience with field and lab equipment. Join a team dedicated to advancing agricultural research while enjoying a flexible work schedule in a dynamic environment. If you're passionate about science and eager to contribute to impactful projects, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level courses in biological science or equivalent experience.
• Experience with technical field and laboratory equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist researchers with field trials and data collection in vineyards.
• Process samples for laboratory analyses and maintain lab equipment.

Skills

Field data collection

Sample processing

Laboratory analyses

Insect population monitoring

Driving state vehicle

Data entry

Education

Two years of college-level courses in biological science

Tools

Gas analyzer

Spectrophotometer

Job description

Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1

This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (approximately 20 hours per week) Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 position for Oregon State University’s Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) located in Central Point.

This is a temporary appointment for 1 year/1,040 hours.

The incumbent will assist and support researchers in the viticulture program. Duties will include setting up trials at orchard and vineyard field sites (both on- and off-station), field data collection, sample processing and laboratory analyses, insect population monitoring, and conducting on-farm demonstrations.

This position requires driving a state vehicle to field sites.

Key Responsibilities

Impose experimental treatments at on-station and on-farm research sites and monitor vegetative and reproductive growth and development of plants. Monitor plant water and nutrient status as needed. Irrigate and fertilize plots per predefined experimental protocols. Monitor insect and mite populations using specific traps and lures. Collect tissue samples for further laboratory analyses of size and composition.

40% Lab work
Process field samples for size and composition, disease diagnosis, and further laboratory analyses. Count arthropods with a dissecting microscope. Enter data in electronic format. Maintain lab equipment and instruments and keep labs clean.

Participate in group meetings, discussions, and staff events at the station. Participate in training sessions, formal and informal, on- or off-site, as needed. Assist SOREC staff in regular building, grounds, and equipment maintenance tasks as needed.

What We Require

Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

What You Will Need

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.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

Prior experience working in vineyards.
Prior experience identifying insects.
Prior experience working at an off-campus research station.
Prior experience working with and operating technical field and laboratory equipment such as gas analyzer and spectrophotometer.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace environment for individuals with a range of different backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and/or life experiences.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Employees in this class have limited contact with others outside the unit. Employees have occasional (varies depending on the season) in-person and telephone contact with the researchers to receive clarification of work assignments, report observations, or make suggestions on technical operations and with equipment suppliers to obtain service parts and supplies.

Employees in this class receive close supervision from a researcher or higher-level technician. Work is periodically reviewed throughout the assignment for conformance to the project goals and standards. State and Federal laws and regulations governing pesticide use and animal research and welfare are used as guidelines by employees in this class.

This position may work in inclement weather conditions when at field sites for several hours. The position also requires work inside a lab and/or in front of a computer for several hours.

Standard work schedule is M-F during normal operating hours at SOREC (8am – 5pm) with some variation during harvest season (July through September). This position is located in a lab where lab machinery may be running consistently, and will be required to perform repetitive tasks as part of their duties.