Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2021-11-08
Req: R-3345

Title:

570G-YN - Agricultural Research Technologist 3

Business Title:

Agricultural Research Technologist 3

Location:

Employee Type:

Classified

Job Family:

Civil Service - OT Eligible

Position Details:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

In accordance with Washington State Governor's Proclamation 21.14.2, as a condition of employment, you must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation by time of hire. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their last shot in a vaccine series. Vaccine or an approved accommodation will be verified prior to your first day of work. Should you not be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation you will not be able to start employment with WSU. Information regarding vaccine verification and/or requesting a medical/religious accommodation is available at https://hrs.wsu.edu/covid-19/vax-verification/. Please contact HRS at hrs@wsu.edu or 509-335-4521 if you have questions.

Summary of Duties:

Under direction of a PI, performs senior level research and investigative research relating to the management of diseases of ornamental bulb and cut flower crops, Christmas trees, and ornamental and conifer nursery crops. Positions are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating assigned experiments under minimal direction; developing and testing investigative procedures; managing personnel; analyzing complex statistical data; and preparing rough manuscript drafts for technical papers.

Job Duties:

25%

• Design and carry out experiments: Conduct literature research to obtain information regarding new experimental techniques and equipment; evaluate, modify and apply technical methods, procedures and techniques developed by others in support of assigned research projects.

25%

• Perform technical procedures including standard isolation and microscopic-based identification of fungal plant pathogens, characterization of biological and physical attributes of fungal plant pathogens, and perform molecular procedures, such as PCR, quantitative PCR, genotyping using microsatellite markers, analyze DNA sequence data, and perform DNA extractions in a research setting.

20%

• Collect data for computer input, performs complex statistical analyses, and interpret computer output, develop graphs and tables for research publication, write project reports, present project findings to staff, other governmental or private group.

10%

• While working in a cooperative lab environment, hire, train, and lead temporary employees, as well as train other full-time employees, graduate students and visiting scientists.

5%

• Operates, calibrates, and maintains a variety of microscopic and molecular equipment and instrumentation, and other laboratory equipment including scales and incubators. Maintains cleanliness and safety of the laboratory.

5%

• Maintains accurate & neat records and follow established safe handling procedures when working with chemicals.

5%

• Maintains culture collections and regulatory permits relating to facilities and regulated isolates of plant pathogens.

5%

• Performs other duties as needed, such as maintaining equipment and chemical inventories and attending growers and professional meetings as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical OR agri­cultural sciences AND two years of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 2; OR equivalent education/experience.

• Two years of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 2 OR Equivalent education with experience in a plant pathology, horticulture, plant and soil sciences, and/or analytical chemistry biology laboratory utilizing techniques relating to the isolation and identification of fungal plant pathogens, DNA extractions, standard PCR, and quantitative PCR.

• Ability to plan, develop, and execute multiple research projects.

• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office and other equipment and statistical analysis software packages.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience relating to effective employee supervision.

• Operation of laboratory and molecular equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor, collaborators, and workers.

• Ability to work well in a cooperative lab environment.

• Must have a Washington State Certified Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

• Must be willing to travel overnight.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Plant Pathology or related discipline.

• Five years of experience in a plant pathology laboratory utilizing standard isolation and standard/molecular identification techniques such as morphometric measurement of spores, DNA extractions, standard PCR, and quantitative PCR.

• Evidence of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

• Experience in horticulture, botany, agriculture, and chemistry relating to etiology, epidemiology and control of ornamental bulb crop, nursery, and Christmas tree diseases.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

CAHNRS (College of Human, Natural and Resource Sciences)

Department Name:

WSU Puyallup REC/Ornamental Plant Pathology Program

Department Link:

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/

City, State, Zip:

Puyallup, WA 98371

Monthly Salary:

$3,535.00

FTE:

100%

Position Type:

Permanent

Screening Begin Date:

Screening of applicants will begin November 22, 2021 at 11:59pm and will remain open until filled.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) Resume and 2) Cover Letter. Applicants are required to include contact information for three professional references within the application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

Required Documents:

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.