Part-time Research Assistant

OB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Soilborne Disease Ecology Lab within the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology seeks an undergraduate or recent grad to join our vibrant research group at Pennsylvania State University. The candidate will assist in various soilborne disease projects in the lab, greenhouse, and field. Our research focuses on microbial ecology and microbiome research. Examples of topics include fungal/oomycete endophyte community dynamics, disease diagnostics of potato, maize, grapevine, strawberry and dispersal of soilborne pathogens across ecological scales.

The candidate should: possess the ability to follow safety and research protocols, be willing to learn how to make buffers and lab solutions, conduct molecular lab tasks such as DNA extractions and run PCRs/qPCRs, process incoming soil and plant samples, and collect field samples together with Crandall lab members. Candidates should also be able to effectively communicate with supervisors and have the ability to perform independent tasks. A plus would be direct experience working with plants, soil, and microbial culturing. This position may require the ability to lift around 50 pounds of weight with or without accommodation.

This job may require that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.