Undergraduate Student Laboratory Assistant
About The Position
This position is for a part-time Undergraduate Student Laboratory Assistant in the Presley Lab, a wood biodeterioration laboratory within the Department of Wood Science and Engineering at Oregon State University. The lab studies wood decay and prevention methods, focusing on extending the service life of wood products by preventing decay caused by wood-rotting fungi. The research involves wood science, chemistry, and mycology, utilizing benchtop assays and long-term field trials. The lab also investigates the ecology of fungal communities that colonize wood, offering exposure to both applied and basic-science aspects. The role is hands-on, providing opportunities to learn and contribute to research in sterile technique, fungal culturing, molecular identification, wood sample preparation, mechanical testing, and utility pole inspection.
Requirements
- Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study.
- Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment.
- Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard (High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program; Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term; Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term; Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term; Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term).
- Interest in fungal wood decomposition.
- Organized, with strong attention to detail.
- Able to manage multiple tasks at once.
- Able to problem-solve and work independently from written or verbal protocols.
- Eager to learn new laboratory methods and techniques.
- Must successfully complete a Criminal History Check.
- 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.
- Must be eligible for employment in the US.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience or familiarity with working in a biology/chemistry laboratory.
- Currently enrolled in a science-related degree program.
- Basic knowledge of wood, wood science, mycology, and general laboratory procedures.
- Background or interest in mycology and microbiology.
- A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Responsibilities
- Operate common laboratory equipment, including microscopes, balances, fume hoods, laminar flow hoods, and data-collection systems, in support of project goals.
- Apply proper sterile techniques in a microbiology laboratory, prepare and sterilize samples and materials using an autoclave, prepare growth media for culturing fungi from wood/environmental samples, and isolate pure fungal cultures.
- Prepare wood samples for testing, including cutting and grinding with power tools (band saw, chop saw, Wiley mill, etc.), wash glassware, perform general laboratory cleaning and maintenance, and run errands for the lab.
- Handle hazardous chemicals and materials (chemically treated wood, wood-treating formulations etc.).
- Identify fungi using molecular methods: Extract, amplify, clean, and prepare DNA for sequencing from both pure cultures and environmental samples (wood and soil).
- Maintain field sites (mowing, string trimming, weed pulling, and similar site upkeep).
- Sample and inspect in-service utility poles (decay assessments, increment coring, and related field measurements).
Benefits
- Skill development in Teamwork, Technology, Professionalism
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
