Scientific Assistant

Position Overview

As a Scientific Assistant within the School of Molecular Biosciences
, you will perform laboratory research by conducting microbiological and biochemical assays, including bacterial culture, serial dilutions, plating for viable count enumeration, and related biochemical procedures. This position maintains detailed records, ensures quality control, and supports daily laboratory operations. You may supervise and train undergraduate researchers. The Scientific Assistant assists with stability testing and maintains a safe working environment. No journal publications or public presentations on project specifics are expected.

Position type:
Full-time (100% FTE), temporary. Overtime eligible.

Temporary end date:
Expected to end on June 30, 2027
. Renewal depends on funding.

Monthly Salary: $3,750.85 - $5,397.56 – commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid sick/vacation leave, paid holidays, medical, dental, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents, retirement options, deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts, training and development, and tuition waiver. For more information, see WSU Summary of Benefits for AP staff.

• A Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, food science, plant pathology or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Master’s degree can substitute up to one year of work experience.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and professional demeanor suited to a focused lab environment.

• One or more years of hands‑on laboratory experience in microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University.

WSU, Pullman, WA.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• External candidates: upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
• Internal candidates: upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
• Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files, preferably PDF.
• Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

This position requires a background check due to access to children or vulnerable adults, engagement in law enforcement, security clearance needs, student counseling or advising, and unsupervised access to university property. The check will not be completed until a preliminary qualification decision.

Time Type:
Full time. Position Term: 12 months.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. For more information, contact Human Resource Services.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, WSU does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

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