Academic Wage-Salaried: Faculty Research Assistant

Position Details

Position Information

Department Forest Ecosyst & Society (FOR)

Position Title Academic Wage Appt - Salaried

Job Title Academic Wage-Salaried: Faculty Research Assistant

Appointment Type Academic Wage

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Not benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society is seeking a salaried Academic Wage: Faculty Research Assistant. This is a part-time (0.40 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term position. This position is anticipated to last approximately 12 months.

This position manages the operations, personnel and finances of the Forest Biotechnology Laboratory at Oregon State University ( OSU ). The position is in support of the CoF mission of conducting research to improve forest and tree productivity and health. A high degree of autonomy, responsibility, effective communication, and innovation in management methods is expected from the incumbent in this position.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100 undergraduate degree programs, 80 graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
  
  

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
  
  

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

35% – Research Administration:

Assists with grant proposals including searches for new grant opportunities, editing, formatting, literature searches, and coordinating with Principal Investigators and collaborators. Works with the OSU Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure timely and compliant submission of proposals using Cayuse or other mechanisms. Prepares budgets and provides cost estimates. Provides management of grant accounts using OSU systems and customized spreadsheets to ensure appropriate use of funds, and to avoid overspending accounts. Supports research by conducting literature reviews, producing graphics, and updating web sites. Ensures compliance with Environmental Health and Safety standards and is responsible for United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) regulatory compliance for transgenic organisms in the lab, field, and during national and international shipments and reception. Monitors and facilitates compliance of grants and contracts with respect to scientific objectives, personnel responsibilities, and funding constraints. Tracks projects to ensure timely completion of reports and objectives of program employees.

30% – Research

Collects, compiles, analyzes, and interprets data, and then draws conclusions for multiple research projects. Drives OSU Motor Pool vehicles to field sites as necessary to conduct research. Provides assistance in planning and executing field trials. Coauthors publications and present research results in written and oral form. Provides leadership and direction for program research faculty and Graduate Research Assistants.

30% – Management of Laboratory and Personnel

Oversees management of flab infrastructure. Purchases laboratory supplies and coordinates maintenance of laboratory equipment. Selects, hires, trains, supervises, schedules, and reviews work, and evaluates and establishes goals for temporary technicians and student employees. Exercises authority in the areas of duty assignment/reassignment, overtime and leave authorization, work scheduling, evaluation of work/work plans and provides input on performance evaluations.

5%: Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s Degree in biological science or closely related field.
• Demonstrated electronic communication, search, and analysis capabilities, including experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint; Adobe Photoshop; production and editing of digital images, charts and illustrations; and extensive use of internet browsers and search programs.
• Ability to perform shared drive and cloud management for research programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of ethical and professional standard of conduct.
• Education and laboratory experience in biotechnology, molecular biology, chemistry, forestry, or a closely related field.
• Experience with scientific research and publication.
• Possession of excellent teamwork and communication skills to facilitate effective and congenial interactions with a wide variety of students, employees, supervisor/s, and partners at other institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in spoken and written English.
  
  

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience in research program management and associated project management and shared Workspace software.
• Education or experience in forestry, horticulture, plant, or agricultural science.
• Experience in employee supervision.
• Experience in biological laboratory management.
• Experience tracking budgets and accounts.
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Master’s Degree in biological science or closely related field.
  
  

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

This position is required to work in a laboratory environment and/or outdoors at field sites approximately 5% of the time. The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions while traversing steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain is required. The ability to drive OSU Motor Pool vehicles to field sites is required.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and experience.

Link To Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/154109

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P08068UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/10/2024

Anticipated Appointment End Date 06/09/2025

Posting Date 05/13/2024

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date 05/27/2024

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

• A resume/CV; and
• A cover letter of at least 100 words indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
• Transcripts verifying degree requirement. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed below.
  
  

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Steve Strauss

steve.strauss@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu .