Part-Time Research Assistant Positions – Plant Pathology and Environmental Micro
Penn State University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Job Description
Part‑time research assistant positions (spring, summer, and fall) are available in the Esker Lab, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology. These roles support laboratory and fieldwork for the plant disease epidemiology program, focusing on research on field crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Work is conducted at Buckhout Laboratory on the University Park campus and in field sites such as the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and across Pennsylvania as part of the Soybean On‑Farm Network.
Typical Duties
Fungal culture media preparation
Microbiological culturing and isolation of soil and seed‑borne fungal pathogens
Enumeration of fungal colonies
Selection of pure cultures of isolates for long‑term preservation
Microscopic evaluation and identification of fungal cultures
Assist with laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests and fungicide sensitivity studies
Assist with DNA extraction and quality check of fungal isolates from different genomic projects
Collect soil and plant samples from field and greenhouse experiments and provide necessary assistance with sample processing before analysis/evaluation
Perform germination tests for corn, soybean, and wheat seed samples from field trials
Assess plant diseases from research studies conducted in the field, as well as in greenhouse or growth chamber trials
Data entry of field and laboratory experiments
Work Location
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
Background Check and Driver’s License
Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies. A valid driver’s licence and motor‑vehicle records check are also required.
EEO Statement
Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, 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.
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Part‑time research assistant positions (spring, summer, and fall) are available in the Esker Lab, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology. These roles support laboratory and fieldwork for the plant disease epidemiology program, focusing on research on field crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Work is conducted at Buckhout Laboratory on the University Park campus and in field sites such as the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and across Pennsylvania as part of the Soybean On‑Farm Network.
Typical Duties
Fungal culture media preparation
Microbiological culturing and isolation of soil and seed‑borne fungal pathogens
Enumeration of fungal colonies
Selection of pure cultures of isolates for long‑term preservation
Microscopic evaluation and identification of fungal cultures
Assist with laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests and fungicide sensitivity studies
Assist with DNA extraction and quality check of fungal isolates from different genomic projects
Collect soil and plant samples from field and greenhouse experiments and provide necessary assistance with sample processing before analysis/evaluation
Perform germination tests for corn, soybean, and wheat seed samples from field trials
Assess plant diseases from research studies conducted in the field, as well as in greenhouse or growth chamber trials
Data entry of field and laboratory experiments
Work Location
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
Background Check and Driver’s License
Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies. A valid driver’s licence and motor‑vehicle records check are also required.
EEO Statement
Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, 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.
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