Part-Time Research- Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology

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!

• Bacteria culture media preparation
• Microbiological culturing
• Laboratory resource preparation
• Enumeration of bacterial cultures
• Selecting pure cultures of isolates for long-term preservation
• Affixing to laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests
• Assisting with greenhouse and field trials for cultivar resistance to bacterial diseases
• Affixing to DNA extraction and analysis
• Data entry of field and laboratory experiments
• Driving to and from local research fields

About the Role

The Bull Lab is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research on bacterial diseases of plants, utilizing a range of microbiology, molecular biology, and plant pathology techniques. The lab is part of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Bacteria culture media preparation
• Microbiological culturing
• Laboratory resource preparation
• Enumeration of bacterial cultures
• Selecting pure cultures of isolates for long-term preservation
• Affixing to laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests
• Assisting with greenhouse and field trials for cultivar resistance to bacterial diseases
• Affixing to DNA extraction and analysis
• Data entry of field and laboratory experiments
• Driving to and from local research fields

Requirements

Successful completion of background checks/clearances is required for employment with the University. Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Qualifications

Students must be enrolled as current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) or current Penn State students (not employed previously at the university) to apply. External applicants should click “Apply” and complete the application process.

Skills

Hands-on learning skills, proficiency in microbiology, molecular biology, and plant pathology techniques, ability to conduct research, and strong organizational and data entry skills are required.

Benefits

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.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Positions are available during spring and fall semesters and potentially for summer employment. Exact schedules are not specified.