Research Associate, Sustainable Greenhouse and Nursery Systems Lab; Owen Lab

Job Title

Research Associate, Sustainable Greenhouse and Nursery Systems Lab (Owen Lab)

FAES | Horticulture and Crop Science

The Research Associate will work in the Sustainable Greenhouse and Nursery Systems lab (Owen Lab) located on Ohio State University Columbus campus. Greenhouse research support will be located in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC) and Howlett Hall Greenhouses. Laboratory research assistance will occur in Howlett Hall and the CEARC Wet Lab. Work will include general greenhouse and tissue culture plant production and data collection, data analysis, writing and reporting, and administrative and programmatic support.

Typical work duties of the selected candidate may include:
Support the PD (Dr. Owen) in the design, management, and execution of greenhouse, nursery, tissue culture, and laboratory research projects. Greenhouse, nursery, and tissue culture tasks will include but not limited to scheduling seed sow, sticking unrooted cuttings, picking up nursery liners or plants; or creating media and maintaining tissue culture plants; pot or tray filling; transplanting; weekday and weekend watering and plant checks;

crop maintenance including pest and disease pesticide applications; data collection and plant harvest; sanitation; and photographing plants and/or samples. Laboratory tasks will include equipment maintenance and logging; sample preparation, analysis, and shipping; and data collection, entry, analysis, visualization, and interpretation. Ordering supplies and reconciling requests. Scheduling product delivery. Analyze data sets using statistical software (SAS) or RStudio. Visualize data using Sigma Plot.

Generate scientific and industry reports. Generate scientific peer-reviewed publications. Communicate research results at scientific and industry meetings and/or conferences. Train undergraduate research assistants to execute greenhouse, nursery, and laboratory tasks. Support research showcases, including preparation and clean up, when requested. Support would include planning, presenting, and communicating research results. Other duties will be assigned as needed to complete projects, reporting and writing responsibilities.

Moderate physical exertion related to greenhouse and nursery activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and mixing of light to heavy objects; moving plants; standing for long periods of time; and exposure to heat, light, and wet greenhouse conditions will occur.

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in a greenhouse and laboratory required; 4 years of relevant experience required with High School diploma or GED, 2 years of relevant experience required with Associate's Degree, or 0 years of relevant experience required with Bachelor's Degree. Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, statistical software (SAS or RStudio), Sigma Plot, and Camtasia (or equivalent video editing program).

Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Scientific writing skills and experience required. Excellent organizational skills and personal management.

Master's of Science degree and Greenhouse and/or controlled environment production experience preferred.

This job profile is a Research Technician 3 (T3 level) on the career roadmap. The offer for this position will fall within the positions pay range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Howlett Hall (0295)

Regular

40

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.