Faculty Research Assistant: Assistant Potato Breeder

OSU Oregon State University•Hermiston, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position supporting Oregon State University’s Potato Breeding and Variety Development Program. The Assistant Potato Breeder conducts greenhouse and field trials, makes crosses, and evaluates experimental clones. The role also supports preparation of reports and grants and assists with extension events. It involves travel to other experimental stations, providing day-to-day direction to temporary employees, and interacting with growers, industry partners, and scientific audiences. The incumbent may prepare and present research materials or findings at professional meetings or in professional journals. Driving a station vehicle to field sites is required. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. Work takes place in fields, greenhouses, laboratories, and offices. Schedules may vary substantially with seasonal needs; work outside an 8 a.m.–5 p.m. workday is not uncommon, especially during spring planting and fall harvest. Field and greenhouse work may take place in temperature extremes and dusty, allergen-laden conditions. The position includes strenuous physical activity and agricultural chemical applications, with respirators, dust masks, and other protective equipment used as necessary. The incumbent may enter confined spaces, biological laboratories, and construction sites. University vehicles and equipment are operated, including tractors, agricultural machinery, passenger vehicles, and forklifts. This is an essential position requiring work during inclement weather, emergencies, and other University work curtailments or closures.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Horticulture, or a related field; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and seven years of experience gathering, analyzing, and reporting data in field crop research.
Experience operating farm or research-scale equipment.
Experience working with horticultural crops.
Ability to lift, carry, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally more.
Experience in commercial or research field crop management.
Experience with computer spreadsheet and word processing programs.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Must possess or obtain an Oregon Public Applicator’s License and demonstration/research pesticide applicator’s license within three months of employment and maintain them throughout employment.
Must possess or obtain a farm endorsement within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
Must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position qualified under University Standard 05-010 et seq.; incumbents must self-report convictions.
Must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined position qualified, and self-report convictions under University Policy 05-030.
Must complete applicable pre-employment checks, including the National Sex Offender Public website review prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience in potato or plant breeding.
Experience in potato or vegetable production.
Experience in molecular breeding and use of statistical and genetic tools.
Experience towing trailers and hauling equipment.
Experience managing field crop production and research.
Experience with field research techniques, including plot design, maintenance and evaluation of field plots, seed processing, data collection and analysis, and library research.

Responsibilities

Conduct field experiments and greenhouse research.
Support Oregon State University’s Potato Breeding and Variety Development Program, including performing crosses and evaluating experimental clones.
Provide day-to-day direction to temporary employees and support seasonal personnel management.
Assist with preparation of reports and grants.
Assist in extension events and community service and outreach.
Collect, analyze, and report research data and contribute to publications.
Travel to other experimental stations and drive a station vehicle to field sites.
Interact with growers, industry partners, and scientific audiences.
Prepare and present research materials or findings at professional meetings or in professional journals.
Perform agricultural chemical applications, including fungicide, herbicide, and pesticide applications.