Faculty Research Assistant: Horticulture

OSU Oregon State University • Corvallis, OR

7d

About The Position

The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant to support faculty research in weed science and vegetable crop production. The position conducts greenhouse and field research, collects and provides objective, science-based information, contributes to scholarly activities and publications, and manages conventional and organic field trials on the research farm and grower fields. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

The incumbent will collect and analyze research data; help design, develop, implement, and maintain trials; and provide agronomic management, including nutrition, irrigation, and pest management. The role also maintains and operates field research equipment, keeps maintenance records, ensures compliance with herbicide application requirements and organic certification, prepares reports and publications, and supervises student workers. The position may involve overnight travel and work outside regular hours when needed. Anticipated start date is January 11, 2027, and anticipated end date is June 30, 2027.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree by time of hire in plant sciences, crop science, horticulture, weed science, pest management, biology, natural resources, or a related field.
• Experience conducting field and laboratory research, including experimental design.
• Experience with basic statistical analysis of data.
• Experience operating and maintaining tractor and field equipment; skill with power tools; and ability to drive trailers to move equipment.
• General computer knowledge, including proficiency with information technology, professional office software, and collaborative work platforms.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License with the Demonstration and Research option within six months of employment and maintain it during employment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a group of temporary employees and students.
• Demonstrable commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Ability to learn and adapt to multiple digital communication systems, including websites, email newsletters, and other tools.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position-qualified under University Standard 05-010 et seq.; must self-report convictions. Youth-program incumbents may be subject to additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
• 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.
• Ability to carry, lift, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in weed science research.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining tractor equipment.
• Experience in a research environment.
• Proficiency with ARM Statistical Software and R.

Responsibilities

• Collect and/or compile data for greenhouse and field research trials.
• Help design, develop, implement, and maintain field trials on the research farm and grower fields.
• Maintain and operate field research equipment, ensure it is in good condition, and keep maintenance records.
• Provide agronomic management for research farm field trials, including nutrition, irrigation, and pest management.
• Ensure compliance with herbicide application requirements and organic certification, and maintain records for all field plots.
• Prepare reports and data analyses for grower reports, extension meetings, peer-reviewed and extension publications, and presentations at scientific symposia or conferences.
• Supervise student workers.

What This Job Offers

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