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Part-Time Research Assistant Positions – Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology

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Research AssociateLaboratory & Life Sciences

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Research AssociateLaboratory & Life Sciences

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Part-time research assistant positions (spring, summer, and fall) are available in the Esker Lab, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology. These roles support laboratory and fieldwork for the plant disease epidemiology program, focusing on research on field crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.

We are a dynamic lab that employs various methods to manage plant diseases, supported by federal grants and funding from commodity groups and industry partners. Our research is carried out using facilities at Buckhout Laboratory on the University Park campus. We also conduct field trials at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim, and across Pennsylvania as part of the Soybean On-Farm Network. Opportunities are also available for independent research!

Fungal culture media preparation
Microbiological culturing and isolation of soil and seed-borne fungal pathogens
Enumeration of fungal colonies
Selection of pure cultures of isolates for long-term preservation
Microscopic evaluation and identification of fungal cultures
Assist with laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests and fungicide sensitivity studies
Assist with DNA extraction and quality check of fungal isolates from different genomic projects
Collect soil and plant samples from field and greenhouse experiments and provide necessary assistance with sample processing before analysis/evaluation
Perform germination tests for corn, soybean, and wheat seed samples from field trials
Assess plant diseases from research studies conducted in the field, as well as in greenhouse or growth chamber trials
Data entry of field and laboratory experiments

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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