Lab Assistant

Department: Crop and Soil Science Special Instructions to Applicants: When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: • A Resume • A Cover Letter For additional information please contact: Valtcho Jeliazkov at Valtcho.jeliazkov@oregonstate.edu We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. 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 Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq. 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 two part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Lab Assistant for the Crop and Soil Science department at Oregon State University (OSU). The Specialty Crops Lab seeks a motivated Lab Research Assistant in the discipline of Industrial Crops. 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: The applicant will collaborate with the PI, a Faculty Research Assistant and graduate students in a multifaceted role encompassing a range of research activities. Responsibilities include initiating research trials, conducting observations, taking accurate measurements, collecting and processing samples, help with harvesting processes, and preparing samples for diverse analytical procedures. They will also operate research instrumentation, enter data into Excel spreadsheets, and aid in website updates. Beyond these, the applicant will contribute to the creation and evaluation of reports, including assessing student submissions. A keen attention to detail is vital for this role, as it entails performing varied analyses and working seamlessly within a team to bolster ongoing research projects. Additionally, the role might involve managing bags or containers of potatoes weighing up to 50 lbs. • 60% – Collaborate with and assist the PI, Faculty Research Assistant and graduate students on a range of tasks including: Project initiation, conducting observations, taking precise measurements, collecting and processing samples and systematically entering data into spreadsheets. • 30% – Play a pivotal role in the lab by assisting with primary laboratory procedures and analyses. Cleaning and maintaining glassware. • 10% – Support the Faculty Research Assistant and graduate students in acquiring and preparing samples for forthcoming experiments. Additionally, aid in the evaluation and revision of reports, overseeing student submissions, and updating both websites and databases. 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, Teamwork, Professionalism 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 standardHigh School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling programUndergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per termUndergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per termGraduate 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. Additional Required Qualifications: 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 Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq. Working Conditions/Schedule: Salary Range: Anticipated Start Date: 2026-08-03 Anticipated End Date: 2026-08-31