Research Support Assistant

Penn State University • University Park, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences seeks to hire a part-time research support assistant to provide technical assistance to Dr. Ruairidh Sawers and his work group in performing laboratory, greenhouse and field-based plant genetic research. The position will support the Sawers group maize genetics program. Duties will include seed inventory, preparation of material for planting in greenhouse and both local and off-site field nurseries, conducting controlled pollinations in the field/greenhouse, harvest, and seed sorting. Other duties include preparing and conducting greenhouse experiments and collecting data and post-harvest sample processing. The candidate will possess the organizational and communication skills required to coordinate field activities across multiple growing seasons, in national and international sites, tracking thousands of seed entries every year, and involving several collaborators and personnel. A working knowledge of molecular biology will be required to a level that ensures effective communication with group members in the context of lab management and progress in wet lab procedures. Basic computer skills, including use of shared database and spreadsheet platforms, will be required. Sound organizational skills and a professional working attitude are essential.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of molecular biology to a level that ensures effective communication with group members in the context of lab management and progress in wet lab procedures
• Basic computer skills, including use of shared database and spreadsheet platforms
• Sound organizational skills
• Professional working attitude
• Possess the organizational and communication skills required to coordinate field activities across multiple growing seasons, in national and international sites, tracking thousands of seed entries every year, and involving several collaborators and personnel
• Valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check

Responsibilities

• Seed inventory, preparation of material for planting in greenhouse and both local and off-site field nurseries
• Conducting controlled pollinations in the field/greenhouse, harvest, and seed sorting
• Preparing and conducting greenhouse experiments and collecting data
• Post-harvest sample processing
• Coordinating field activities across multiple growing seasons, in national and international sites, tracking thousands of seed entries every year, and involving several collaborators and personnel
• Effective communication with group members regarding lab management and progress in wet lab procedures
• Utilizing shared database and spreadsheet platforms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed