Faculty Research Assistant: Ornamental Plant Breeding research

Starting salary will be based on skills, education, and experience. Anticipated start date: August 3, 2026. Anticipated end date: June 30, 2027.

About the Role

The Department of Horticulture 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. Appointment at the Faculty Research Assistant rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position will support the Ornamental Plant Breeding research program that develops and evaluates new ornamental plants for the nursery and landscape industries. This position collects science-based information related to ornamental plants, is involved in scholarly activities, conducts field research, and contributes to and compiles data that will be used in publications.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Maintain healthy containerized and field-grown plants.
• Ensure proper accessioning and labeling of generated and received plants.
• Maintain and operate equipment as part of duties in managing container and field plots.
• Design and execute experiments related to plant production evaluation.
• Collect and organize data.
• Direct student workers and work collaboratively with the entire team to ensure efficient operation.
• Manage the production of plants for the program’s research projects, including several glasshouses, a container pad, and several field growing locations. Management includes sexual and asexual propagation, nutrition, weed and pest control, and irrigation of a diverse collection of taxa.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate for the position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or closely related field.
• Experience with containerized and field-grown nursery material.
• Experience in woody plant propagation.
• Able to produce reports and communicate results at grower meetings.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.
• Able to obtain an Oregon pesticide applicators’ license within 6 months of the start date and maintain it throughout employment.
• Successfully complete and maintain appropriate farm, lab, and greenhouse safety training and certifications.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of ornamental plant material, particularly cultivars commonly grown in the Oregon nursery industry.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Master of Science degree in horticulture-related field.
• Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved students or other audiences.