Faculty Research Assistant: Assistant Potato Breeder

Job Summary:

The Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center (HAREC) invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. The Assistant Potato Breeder is responsible for supporting Oregon State University’s Potato Breeding and Variety Development Program. This involves conducting greenhouse and field trials, performing crosses and evaluating experimental clones. The incumbent will also assist in the preparation of reports, grants and assist in extension events.

This role will involve travel to other experimental stations and demands providing day-to-day direction to temporary employees and interaction with growers, industry partners and scientific audiences. The incumbent may prepare and present research materials and/or findings at professional meetings or in professional journals. This position requires driving a station vehicle to various field sites.

• Field Experiments
• Greenhouse research
• Personal management for season and temporary employees
• Research data and publication
• Community service and outreach

• BS degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Horticulture or a related field or BS degree in unrelated field and 7 years gathering, analysis and reporting of data in field crop research.
• Experience in operating farm or research-scale equipment.
• Experience working with Horticultural crops.
• Ability to lift, carry and pull objects up to 50 pounds and, occasionally, objects weighing more.
• Experience in commercial or research field crop management.
• Experience with computer spreadsheet and word processing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others.
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an Oregon Public Applicator’s License and demonstration/research pesticide applicator’s license within Three (3) months of employment and maintain throughout period of employment.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a farm endorsement within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout the period of employment.
• 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.

• Experience in potato or plant breeding.
• Experience in potato/vegetable production.
• Experience in molecular breeding and use of statistical and genetic tools.
• Experience towing trailers and hauling equipment.
• Experience in management of field crop production and research.
• Experience with field research techniques including plot design, maintenance and evaluation of field plots, seed processing, data collection and analysis and library research.

This position involves field, greenhouse, laboratory and office work. Work schedules can vary dramatically depending on seasonal needs. Work outside of an 8-5 workday is not uncommon especially in the spring for planting and during harvest in the fall. Field and greenhouse work can be under temperature extremes. Field work…