Senior Research Specialist

Join to apply for the Senior Research Specialist role at Oklahoma State University
.

Campus: OSU‑Stillwater

Contact:
Justin Q. Moss, mossjq

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am‑5:00 pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length:
Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range: $45,000 – $65,000 Salary

Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

The Ornamental and Nursery Crop Breeding Program in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University seeks a full‑time Senior Research Specialist to assist in establishing and managing a comprehensive research and breeding program for ornamental and nursery crops. The position supports the development, evaluation, and release of improved cultivars through greenhouse, laboratory, and field‑based research.

• Supervise, lead, and train student workers, interns, and junior laboratory personnel to ensure compliance with OSU and regulatory policies.
• Manage daily operations in greenhouse, laboratory, and field environments, including experiment setup, data collection, and maintenance of plant materials.
• Implement and conduct experiments focused on breeding, propagation, and evaluation of ornamental crops. Activities include sowing, transplanting, vegetative propagation (cuttings, grafting, division, tissue culture), pollination and crossing, seed harvesting, germination, and development of breeding populations.
• Evaluate plants for growth, flowering, foliage color, stress tolerance, disease and pest resistance, ornamental quality, and yield through both visual and instrumental measurements.
• Record observations, collect and analyze data, compile reports, and assist with preparation of manuscripts, grant reports, and plant patent or cultivar release documentation.
• Support integrated pest management (IPM) by scouting for pests, diseases, and weeds; identifying issues; and coordinating control measures and pesticide applications as needed.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain field and research equipment and instruments, including those measuring pH, EC, moisture, fertility, soluble solids (Brix), pollen and seed viability, and chlorophyll content.
• Prepare, review, and update research protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data management systems to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and safety.
• Maintain chemical inventories, assist with biosafety and compliance documentation, and ensure adherence to OSU’s chemical hygiene and greenhouse safety standards.
• Order, track, and maintain laboratory and greenhouse supplies, tools, and equipment inventories.
• Assist in developing extension and outreach activities such as field trials, demonstration plots, and industry collaborations.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a fast‑growing breeding program focused on developing sustainable, high‑value ornamental crops adapted to Oklahoma and the Southern Great Plains. The role requires initiative, organization, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Must have the ability to travel within the state for sample and data collection.

About Us:

The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture has 23 faculty with undergraduate and graduate programs. The department operates The Botanic Garden at OSU, Oklahoma Gardening television show, the Greenhouse Learning Center, the Landscape Architecture Studio, the OSU Student Farm, and is active at several research sites through the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station. More information.

• Bachelor’s in horticulture, plant science, plant breeding and genetics, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred on or before the start date).
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree, or two years of experience with a master’s degree, and at least three years of successful experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings. Experience should include hands‑on work in greenhouse and field…