Research Support Staff

Research Support Staff (0097470T, CTAHR/ADSC) | University of Hawai'i

Full-Time Temporary

Job Number:

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

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

Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa;
Honolulu, HI

Date Posted: July 5, 2026

Closing Date: July 20, 2026, 11:59PM HST

Other Conditions: This position is subject to availability of funding and renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance, staffing requirements, and/or availability of funding. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by July 20, 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.

• Performs aseptic plant tissue culture techniques, including initiation, multiplication, and propagation of key plant material.
• Maintains strict sterile laboratory environments, including washing specialized tissue culture equipment and ensuring contamination control.
• Prepares culture media in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Operates autoclaves and other sterilization equipment to properly sterilize lab ware, media, and tools.
• Monitors and records the growth, development, and health metrics of flasked plants, identifying and mitigating any signs of contamination.
• Acclimates and propagates tissue-cultured plants within a greenhouse setting to prepare them for external environments.
• Collaborates with the Lab Manager to support educational outreach initiatives and laboratory training events.
• Applies independent judgment to troubleshoot culture growth issues and optimize micropropagation workflows.
• Coordinates the distribution and logistics of mature plant materials to external stakeholders.
• Performs supplementary administrative office tasks or agricultural field work as dictated by seasonal program demands and workload needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Denotes Essential Functions

• Possession of baccalaureate degree in Plant and Soil Sciences, or related field and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for analyses of plant material, feeds and forages, soil, and/or nutrient solutions; and/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 plant tissue culture activities demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with standard laboratory safety guidelines, protocols, and basic compliance requirement associated with plant tissue culture acclimation and propagation.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of plant cell propagation aseptic techniques and monitoring.
• 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 maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software.

• Basic knowledge of standard methods and procedures used in processing plant tissue or biological materials, and the ability to learn to operate basic laboratory equipment safely.
• Familiarity with foundational concepts of laboratory instrumentation (such as spectroscopy) and a willingness to be trained on specialized analytical equipment.
• Ability to understand and accurately follow written and oral laboratory instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and communicate clearly with co-workers.
• Ability to follow established workflows and maintain an organized laboratory workspace.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, fine motor skills necessary for handling sensitive materials, and the ability to strictly maintain a sterile, contamination-free environment.

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:
https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and…