Scientific Assistant

Scientific Assistant Available Title(s):
1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant Business Title:
Scientific Assistant Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term) Time Type:
Full time Position Term:
12 Month Position Details: Summary of Duties: The Scientific Assistant will contribute to research and service related to urban tree health and community engagement in western Washington, but they will also help with other projects in the Ornamental Plant Pathology program. They will perform journey-level research and investigative duties under technical direction to support studies concerning biological sciences as applied to agriculture and natural resources. They will identify and define research problems, design approaches or hypotheses, and summarize and disseminate findings through the preparation of manuscripts, progress reports, and storymaps. Research | 25% The Scientific Assistant will independently conduct research by applying established or modified methods. Major tasks include visiting trees in the Puget sound to survey for diseases such as sooty bark disease and collecting samples and data. They will participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols, experiments, techniques and procedures. In some projects, they will select locations for sampling independently. They will assist with planning and organizing the logistics research projects, preparing equipment and purchasing supplies, developing and implementing experimental protocols and establishing cooperative programs with other research units. Setting up, calibrating, operating, maintaining and repairing various scientific measurement and sampling instruments and systems as well as electronic data acquisition and control systems. Office and Data | 10% Computer tasks will include organizing and analyzing data, designing educational materials such as guides, posters and story maps, and writing fact-sheets and manuscripts. They will also assist with the development of program and project ideas, marketing materials, reports and proposals to granting agencies and foundations. The employee will maintain records of experiments and compiling data into graphic, tabular or other formatting. They will analyze and interpret collected research data and ensure quality control by make improvements to techniques and interpretation. Laboratory Operations | 25% Tasks will include assisting in the laboratory with diagnostics, culturing, and cataloging samples. Performs laboratory research including the implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting of approaches from published literature. Common laboratory tasks will include extracting DNA, completing PCR protocols to amplify DNA, and submitting samples for sequencing. The Scientific Assistant will also assist with management of daily laboratory operations. Conducts general laboratory maintenance and routine care of scientific instrumentation, orders supplies, keeps inventory records and maintains a safe working environment. The employee will manage operation of specialized equipment in laboratory including set up, calibration, monitoring performance and performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and scientific instrumentation. Outreach | 25% The employee will assist with community and youth engagement activities and the coordination of volunteer events. The employee will help coordinate events and programming related to engagement opportunities for volunteers, community scientists, and student internships. Duties will also require assisting with program promotion by tabling at events or parks. Some travel to events will be required. Major tasks will also include graphic design for the co-production of invasive species awareness materials with frontline communities such as Tribal nations. Supervision and Training | 10% The employee will also mentor, lead and train other seasonal or hourly technicians, student interns, and volunteers. Other | 5% Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.

• BS or four-year degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or natural resource related fields.
  
• Strong computer literacy - tracking hours, entering data, and emailing will be required.
  
• Demonstration of technical writing experience such as fact sheets or other publications.
  
• Basic understanding of biology and ecology.
  
• Basic laboratory skills such as sterile technique.
  
• Demonstrated experience working on a team.
  
• Some travel to field sites will be required.
  
• A valid driver's license is required .
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting literature searches.
  
• Experience working with spatial data and creating storymaps with ArcGIS Online.
  
• Advanced computer literacy - capacity to collect and manage data in excel.
  
• Experience with visual design (graphic, webpages, storymaps).
  
• Experience identifying trees and invasive species, including forest pests and pathogens.
  
• Experience isolating microorganisms from diseased plant tissues.
  
• Experience extracting and amplifying DNA from plant and fungal tissues.
  
• Demonstrated experience leading a team or volunteers.
  

Additional Information:



Area/College:



College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)



Department Name:


Plant Pathology



City, State, Zip:


Puyallup, WA, 98371



Department Link:







Monthly Salary:



$4,050.92 - $5,829.37


In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.


For more information regarding Administrative Professional (AP) Compensation at Washington State University (WSU), please visit the following website:


WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.


For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for AP staff visit:



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Find total compensation information here: rs/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/ .



FTE:


100%



Position Type:


This is a Temporary position.



Temporary End Date:


This is a 12-month position. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.



Posting Close Date:


Applicants must submit their completed application by June 24, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.



Background Check:


This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.



Application Instructions:


External candidates, please upload all documents in the 'Resume/CV' section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the 'Resume/Cover Letter' section of your application.



Required Documents:


Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application.


1) Resume/CV


2) Cover Letter


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: (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: ; TDD Callers: , (f), or .



To apply, visit



Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.














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About Washington State University

Washington State University is a public research university committed to its land-grant heritage and tradition of service to society. Washington State College was established in 1890 as a land-grant institution. It has become a distinguished public research university, but its mission remains rooted in accessibility and public service.For more than 130 years, we have strived to unlock possibilities by empowering students, faculty, and others to create a world where all people can thrive.In that spirit, our community welcomes scholars from around the globe and prioritizes equitable opportunities for all.

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