Faculty Research Assistant

OSU Oregon State University • Aurora, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Willamette Research and Extension Center invites applications for 3 full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant positions. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. Join Oregon State University’s nationally recognized berry research and extension program and contribute to innovative, applied research that directly impacts the Pacific Northwest fruit industry. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of horticultural science, technology innovation, and grower outreach. The Faculty Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting grant-funded projects focused on blueberry production systems, including mechanical harvesting, pruning, fruit quality evaluation, rootstock performance, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management. Working both independently and collaboratively, the successful candidate will conduct field research, collect and analyze data, prepare technical reports and materials for various publications, and help translate research findings into practical recommendations for growers and industry stakeholders.

Requirements

• B.S. in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology and entomology, or a related field.
• Knowledge in designing experiments and statistical analysis, Office software or comparable word processing, and data management programs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with berry crops or fruit cropping systems.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team atmosphere.
• Ability to obtain an Oregon Demonstration/Research pesticide applicator's license within 120 days of hiring.
• Professional experience assisting diverse populations and/or diverse learners, such as non-traditional, online, international students, and/or groups historically underrepresented in higher education.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. in horticulture, environmental science, plant science, plant pathology, entomology, or a related field.
• Experience operating farm or research-field equipment.
• Experience with pesticide applications.
• Familiarity with berry production systems in the Willamette Valley.
• Experience preparing publications and reports for grant reporting.
• Experience managing website and social media platform content.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and greenhouse research to support grant funded projects, including mechanical harvesting, pruning, blueberry fruit quality evaluation, rootstock evaluation, plant nutrition, and pest management.
• Collect, analyze, and report on greenhouse, and field research studies.
• Field research activities will include driving a tractor to mow grasses and apply pesticides to maintain a weed and disease free research plot; and maintaining, harvesting, and evaluating plants used in the experiments.
• Collect, record and analyzed research data, such as plant physical measurements, disease incidence and severity, and provide statistical analysis and written reports on results for research trials.
• Prepare reports for use in peer-reviewed and non­peer reviewed publications, and/or for presentation at scientific symposiums/conferences.
• Create educational materials such as posters, slide shows, resource notebooks, manuals, to be published for education outreach.
• Coordinate workshops, speakers and event logistics, and oversee the registration process.
• Install data recording equipment and measurement sensors.
• Record, analyze and summarize data.
• Collect and summarize classroom survey results for impact measurements and teaching evaluation review.

Benefits

• Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level