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Faculty Research Assistant (Plant Pathology)
Faculty Research Assistant (Plant Pathology)
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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Curriculum Vitae
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Position Details
Position Information
Department
Ag Botany / Plant Path (ABP)
Position Title
Faculty Research Assistant
Job Title
Faculty Research Assistant (Plant Pathology)
Appointment Type
Academic Faculty
Job Location
Corvallis
Benefits Eligible
Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Department of Botany & Plant Pathology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.
This position will perform plant pathology research on the biology and epidemiology of Erysiphe necator, an obligate fungal pathogen of Vitis species and causal agent of grape powdery mildew in the lab of Dr. Walt Mahaffee. Specifically, the individual will perform research into the aerial transport of fungal propagules in vineyard systems. The goal is the development of instruments and methods to measure the environmental conditions in vineyards and develop novel collection strategies to capture grape powdery mildew fungal spores. Individual will perform all aspects of this research including experimental design, execution, analysis and help with write-ups. Field work may require long work days (>8 hour days) and travel throughout Willamette Valley, OR.
This position will perform plant pathology research on the biology and epidemiology of Erysiphe necator, an obligate fungal pathogen of Vitis species and causal agent of grape powdery mildew in the lab of Dr. Walt Mahaffee. Specifically, the individual will perform research into the aerial transport of fungal propagules in vineyard systems. The goal is the development of instruments and methods to measure the environmental conditions in vineyards and develop novel collection strategies to capture grape powdery mildew fungal spores. Individual will perform all aspects of this research including experimental design, execution, analysis and help with write-ups. Field work may require long work days (>8 hour days) and travel throughout Willamette Valley, OR.
College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
- Top 1.4% university in the world
- 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
- 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
- 217k+ alumni worldwide
- For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
- Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
50% lab research (culturing fungal obligate plant pathogens; design and 3-D printing of novel environmental sampling devices; construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting of low energy meteorological systems; molecular detection assay development and execution; disease bioassay development and execution; development of automated image analysis systems; reagent preparation; general lab maintenance; troubleshooting and maintenance of lab equipment).
25% field research (set up and maintenance of meteorological monitoring systems and automated air sampling devices; development and testing of comparative field sampling techniques; extensive field sample collections; assist with general research vineyard maintenance) requires driving vehicle to field locations.
20% analysis and writing (data entry, data analysis, contributions to the publication of research findings in grant reports and peer reviewed journals)
5% Some oversight of hourly help may be necessary. Interface with farm and greenhouse managers will likely happen.
What You Will Need
- BS degree in Botany or Plant Pathology from an accredited college or university.
- Familiarity with plant pathology research and 2 years research experience.
- A background in biological sciences.
- Knowledge of and experience with Python, C, C++ coding languages.
- Experience with 3-D printing design and execution.
- Experience collecting field research data.
- Knowledge of or experience with experimental design and statistical analysis.
- Experience summarizing and writing research findings.
- Good management skills and ability to work both individually and as part of a team.
- Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues
Must be able to pass a background check clearance to work in a USDA facility.
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.
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.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience working with fungal plant pathogens, specifically obligate fungal biotrophs.
- Experience maintaining grape plants under greenhouse and field settings.
- Aseptic technique
- Media Preparation
- Experience in preparing laboratory reagents, chemicals, stocks
- Ability to maintain good laboratory records and enter data
- Demonstrated ability to summarize and report research findings
- Ability to troubleshoot and improve laboratory procedures
- Experience in the operation of laboratory instruments such as autoclaves, centrifuge, balance, pipets, pH meter
- Ability to adjust, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
- Experience working with meteorological equipment in lab or field settings
- Experience working with ImageJ and ImageJ macros
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Plant pathology research laboratory, greenhouses, research and commercial vineyards.
8 hour work day, 5 days/week.
Field work schedules may diverge from the normal 8-hour workday and will require travel throughout the Willamette Valley, OR. It will also require traversing rugged terrain, working in cold and hot climates, and intermittent heavy lifting.
Pay Method
Salary
Pay Period
1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date
Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range
$46,620 to $50,000
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P09800UF
Number of Vacancies
1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
05/18/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date
03/18/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date
03/25/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Curriculum Vitae
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Supplemental Questions
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