Research Support Staff

Research Support Staff (0097700T, CTAHR/CARES/Wahiawa)

Full-Time Temporary

Job Number

University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience

Title
:
Research Support Staff (CTAHR/CARES)

Position Number: 0097700T

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC)

Date Posted
:
October 5, 2026

Closing Date
:
October 16, 2026, 11:59PM HST

Other Conditions
:
All application materials should be submitted by October 16, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists with laboratory analysis and tests on plant specimens submitted to the ADSC for the diagnoses of potential disease causal agents.
• ** Assists higher level professionals in the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests necessary to confirm or dispel disease causal agents on a wide range of crops.
• ** Assists higher level professionals in the identification of disease causal agents using basic plant pathology techniques to isolate, selectively culture and morphologically identify suspect fungal or bacterial plant disease microorganisms.
• ** Supports senior associates in the recognition of symptoms, confirm and identify disease causal agents on a wide variety of crops by referral to UH-Manoa specialists or other agencies.
• ** Assists senior research associates and specialists with laboratory and greenhouse studies to confirm pathogenicity of disease causal agents on a wide variety of crops. Determines if unknown disease agent or recently discovered disease is responsible.
• ** Performs routine diagnostic assays, such as soil baiting techniques, under the guidance of the Research Associate to help identify plant pathogens.
• ** Executes established molecular assays, including DNA and RNA sequencing preparation, to support the rapid identification of recovered arthropod, fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode pests.
• ** Supports the coordinates and execution of technical procedures for the identification of arthropod pests submitted to the ADSC.
• ** Monitors and documents arthropod pest signs, symptoms, and plant damage to assist the Research Associate in final identification.
• ** Conducts literature review of environmentally friendly pest and disease management resources to minimize the recommendation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered chemical pesticides.
• ** Drafts pest identification and disease management recommendation reports for evaluation and final approval by a senior research associate.
• ** Aids in the identification of plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, insect parasites and predators for the purpose of making environmentally friendly recommendations.
• ** Observes and logs typical signs and symptoms of plant-parasitic nematode infections for further diagnostic review by senior research associates and specialists.
• ** Maintains and updates the ADSC computer database, ensuring all analytical service records and reports are accurately logged, organized, and exportable as text or CSV files.
• Respond and resolve agricultural diagnostic inquiries from the general public.
• Other duties as assigned

* Denotes Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, plant pathology, entomology or related field and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for in N/A; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of analysis of disease causal agents and/or pests as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with pesticide usage.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of laboratory analysis of disease and/or pest management.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and…