About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Part-time (spring and fall semesters and potential for summer employment) research assistant positions are available in the Bull Lab (https://plantpath.psu.edu/research/labs/bull) in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology. These positions provide laboratory and field support for research conducted in the Bull Lab. We are a diverse lab team dynamic using a wide variety of microbiology, molecular biology, and plant pathology techniques for authentic research on bacterial diseases of plants funded by federal grants. Students learn a wide variety of skills that allow them to complement their curriculum with hands on learning. Our program conducts research using facilities located in Buckhout Laboratory on the University Park campus. We also have field trials at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs. Opportunities also exist for conducting independent research!
Typical duties in this position may include, but are not limited to:
- Bacteria culture media preparation
- Microbiological culturing
- Laboratory resource preparation
- Enumeration of bacterial cultures
- Selection of pure cultures of isolates for long-term preservation
- Assist with laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests
- Assisting with greenhouse and field trials for cultivar resistance to bacterial diseases
- Assist with DNA extraction and analysis
- Data entry of field and laboratory experiments
- Driving to and from local research field
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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.
EEO IS THE LAW
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.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- The position involves providing laboratory and field support for research in the Bull Lab, including tasks such as bacteria culture media preparation and assisting with laboratory assays. Students will also have opportunities for independent research.
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