Research Intern

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Research Intern in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, you will be responsible for performing laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments related to wheat seed biology, specifically addressing issues such as low falling numbers, late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA), and preharvest sprouting. You will assist in research on the wheat falling numbers problem, which is caused by elevated alpha‑amylase levels resulting from environmental stress in the field. In this role, you will perform alpha‑amylase enzyme assays and falling number testing in the laboratory, prepare protein and DNA extractions from wheat tissue, and conduct greenhouse and field evaluations of wheat for LMA and preharvest sprouting. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, conducting DNA and protein preparations, running alpha‑amylase enzyme assays, performing seed germination experiments in greenhouse and laboratory settings, and coordinating temporary employees who support field, greenhouse, and laboratory work. You will also be responsible for hiring temporary student workers to assist with the project. Additional Information: This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible. Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on March 31st, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Monthly Salary: $3,379.14 - $4,862.67 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Requirements

• Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent related field experience performing work with research, scientific or clinical research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline such as biology, chemistry, or engineering.
• Incumbent must have knowledge about the use and maintenance of standard laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, pipets, balances, water baths, and incubators.
• Incumbent must have experience planting, growing, and harvesting plants and plant material.
• Incumbent must have knowledge of computers for the purpose of data analysis and reporting research results.
• Incumbent must have knowledge of plant seed and developmental stages.
• Incumbent must be able to perform standard laboratory calculations, such as dilutions, molarity, and statistical analyses.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of postgraduate education, or 3 or more years of research experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience using the Seedburo head thresher, the Udy mill for processing wheat grain, the Perten Falling Number machine, and the Chemwell-T autoanalyzer for use in performing enzyme assays.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience performing falling numbers tests, spike-wetting tests, germination assays, and LMA testing.
• Experience in guiding temporary workers, in managing large field projects, or in working well within a team are desired.

Responsibilities

• performing laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments related to wheat seed biology
• assisting in research on the wheat falling numbers problem
• performing alpha‑amylase enzyme assays and falling number testing in the laboratory
• preparing protein and DNA extractions from wheat tissue
• conducting greenhouse and field evaluations of wheat for LMA and preharvest sprouting
• conducting DNA and protein preparations
• running alpha‑amylase enzyme assays
• performing seed germination experiments in greenhouse and laboratory settings
• coordinating temporary employees who support field, greenhouse, and laboratory work
• hiring temporary student workers to assist with the project

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

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