Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Overview
Position Title: Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research
Department: Crop and Soil Science (ACS)
Classification Title: Bio Science Research Tech 1
Job Title: Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research
Appointment Type: Classified Staff
Job Location: Corvallis
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Remote or Hybrid option: Not specified
Employment Category: Regular
Job Summary
This recruitment will fill one full-time Biological Science Research Technician 1 position for the Crop & Soil Science at Oregon State University (OSU). The position supports ongoing insect research in the Kaur laboratory, assisting with monitoring efforts of lepidopteran insect pests during trapping routes in commercial fields of different crops. The ideal candidate is self-motivated with strong attention to detail and organizational skills. This role requires field and greenhouse work with the use of pesticides.
Key Responsibilities
80% — Laboratory, Greenhouse and Field work
Contribute to monitoring efforts of lepidopteran insect pests (armyworm, cutworm, sod webworm, etc.) during trapping routes in commercial fields across different crops (e.g., grass seed, clover, mint). This involves travel to growers’ fields in Oregon.
Assist with set-up of laboratory experiments to study biology and behavior of insect species (e.g., choice and no-choice tests for host plant resistance).
Help set-up field and greenhouse experiments to investigate ecology of insects and their natural enemies.
Assist the PI and postdoc in conducting field experiments to assess efficacy of insecticides and biopesticides in both laboratory and field settings.
Regularly check laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments.
Maintain colonies of insect species and natural enemies in the laboratory.
Search databases for relevant research articles.
10% — Greenhouse and Farm Operations
Maintain plants, insect colonies, and natural enemy colonies in greenhouses and/or at the OSU farm
Water and clean as needed
Make minor repairs to equipment
10% — Reporting
Collect, enter and organize data and summarize research results as required
Required Qualifications
Two years of college-level courses in a biological science field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred/Needed Qualifications
Two years of college-level courses in Biological Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biological & Ecological Engineering, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience working with insects. Experience conducting experiments in a laboratory, greenhouse and/or field. Ability to work with diverse communities.
Additional Requirements
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, a criminal history check is required and must meet University standards. A motor vehicle history check is required for driving university or personal vehicles on behalf of the university. A valid driver’s license and self-reporting of convictions may apply as per University policies.
Desired Experience and Skills
Experience working outdoors under unpleasant weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain)
Experience working with insects
Experience working with bio or conventional pesticides
Experience building items for scientific experiments (e.g., traps, insect arenas for studying behavior)
Microsoft Office and other standard software
Working Conditions / Schedule
Field work often starts at sunrise and may be cold, rainy, and muddy. Trapping checks involve kneeling and bending. Greenhouse work includes long periods of standing under warm-to-hot conditions. Lifting and moving planting trays, pots and media is required. Field and greenhouse work may require standing all day for several days. Pesticides are used in greenhouse, lab and field phases; the candidate must obtain an appropriate pesticide applicator license as needed and comply with label requirements.
Compensation
Pay Method: Hourly
Pay Period: 16th – 15th of the following month
Pay Date: Last working day of the month
Min Salary: $18.06
Max Salary: $23.88
Additional Information
Link to Position Description: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/179327
Posting Details: 1 vacancy; Anticipated Begin Date: 05/15/2026; Posting Date: 04/21/2026; Closing Date: 05/05/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer statement and notes on inclusive hiring and background checks are maintained as part of the official posting.
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Position Title: Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research
Department: Crop and Soil Science (ACS)
Classification Title: Bio Science Research Tech 1
Job Title: Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research
Appointment Type: Classified Staff
Job Location: Corvallis
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Remote or Hybrid option: Not specified
Employment Category: Regular
Job Summary
This recruitment will fill one full-time Biological Science Research Technician 1 position for the Crop & Soil Science at Oregon State University (OSU). The position supports ongoing insect research in the Kaur laboratory, assisting with monitoring efforts of lepidopteran insect pests during trapping routes in commercial fields of different crops. The ideal candidate is self-motivated with strong attention to detail and organizational skills. This role requires field and greenhouse work with the use of pesticides.
Key Responsibilities
80% — Laboratory, Greenhouse and Field work
Contribute to monitoring efforts of lepidopteran insect pests (armyworm, cutworm, sod webworm, etc.) during trapping routes in commercial fields across different crops (e.g., grass seed, clover, mint). This involves travel to growers’ fields in Oregon.
Assist with set-up of laboratory experiments to study biology and behavior of insect species (e.g., choice and no-choice tests for host plant resistance).
Help set-up field and greenhouse experiments to investigate ecology of insects and their natural enemies.
Assist the PI and postdoc in conducting field experiments to assess efficacy of insecticides and biopesticides in both laboratory and field settings.
Regularly check laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments.
Maintain colonies of insect species and natural enemies in the laboratory.
Search databases for relevant research articles.
10% — Greenhouse and Farm Operations
Maintain plants, insect colonies, and natural enemy colonies in greenhouses and/or at the OSU farm
Water and clean as needed
Make minor repairs to equipment
10% — Reporting
Collect, enter and organize data and summarize research results as required
Required Qualifications
Two years of college-level courses in a biological science field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred/Needed Qualifications
Two years of college-level courses in Biological Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biological & Ecological Engineering, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience working with insects. Experience conducting experiments in a laboratory, greenhouse and/or field. Ability to work with diverse communities.
Additional Requirements
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, a criminal history check is required and must meet University standards. A motor vehicle history check is required for driving university or personal vehicles on behalf of the university. A valid driver’s license and self-reporting of convictions may apply as per University policies.
Desired Experience and Skills
Experience working outdoors under unpleasant weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain)
Experience working with insects
Experience working with bio or conventional pesticides
Experience building items for scientific experiments (e.g., traps, insect arenas for studying behavior)
Microsoft Office and other standard software
Working Conditions / Schedule
Field work often starts at sunrise and may be cold, rainy, and muddy. Trapping checks involve kneeling and bending. Greenhouse work includes long periods of standing under warm-to-hot conditions. Lifting and moving planting trays, pots and media is required. Field and greenhouse work may require standing all day for several days. Pesticides are used in greenhouse, lab and field phases; the candidate must obtain an appropriate pesticide applicator license as needed and comply with label requirements.
Compensation
Pay Method: Hourly
Pay Period: 16th – 15th of the following month
Pay Date: Last working day of the month
Min Salary: $18.06
Max Salary: $23.88
Additional Information
Link to Position Description: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/179327
Posting Details: 1 vacancy; Anticipated Begin Date: 05/15/2026; Posting Date: 04/21/2026; Closing Date: 05/05/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer statement and notes on inclusive hiring and background checks are maintained as part of the official posting.
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