Part Time - Student - Plant Science-Plant Molecular Biology Assistant (Guiltinan Lab)

About the role

The Laboratory Assistant will provide hands-on support for ongoing plant biology research, with responsibilities spanning greenhouse operations, plant propagation, tissue culture, and general laboratory activities. The position will work closely with research staff and laboratory personnel to maintain plants and experiments, prepare materials and reagents, and assist with large-scale experimental activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with greenhouse and growth-room operations, including watering, fertilization, plant maintenance, pest monitoring, and general plant care.
• Prepare and maintain greenhouse growing media, propagation materials, and planting supplies.
• Assist with large-scale plantings, transplanting, propagation, and harvesting of research plants.
• Prepare tissue culture media, including measuring reagents, preparing solutions, dispensing media, and assisting with sterilization and storage.
• Assist with plant tissue culture and propagation activities, including maintaining cultures and preparing materials for experiments.
• Support laboratory personnel with routine molecular biology and laboratory tasks, as appropriate and following established protocols.
• Assist with preparation of buffers, solutions, reagents, and other laboratory materials.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked greenhouse and laboratory workspaces.
• Assist with sample collection, labeling, organization, and record keeping.
• Help maintain laboratory and greenhouse equipment, supplies, and inventories.
• Follow established laboratory, greenhouse, biosafety, and safety procedures.
• Assist research staff with ongoing experiments and other projects as needed.
• Perform other related duties in support of laboratory research and plant production activities.

Qualifications

This position is intended to provide practical, hands-on assistance to laboratory and research staff. The successful candidate should be comfortable working in both laboratory and greenhouse environments, performing repetitive or physically demanding plant-related tasks when necessary, following established protocols, and learning new techniques.

Requirements

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