Scientific Assistant - Open Rank
Available Title(s):
1160-NN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant Senior, 1161-NN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant, 1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant
Business Title:
Scientific Assistant - Open Rank
Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
Position Details:
The Opportunity:
The WSU Winter Wheat Breeding program, under the direction of Dr. Arron Carter, is seeking applications for a field technician to support the efforts of the breeding program. This position reports directly to Dr. Carter. The field technician works with other technical staff within the program (field, greenhouse, and laboratory) to meet the objectives of developing new winter wheat cultivars for the state of Washington. This position works directly with one other field technician to manage the day-to-day operations of the field portion of the breeding program. Operations include planting, plot maintenance, spraying trials, data collection, and harvesting. Responsibilities also include uploading data into our database, analyzing data within the database, and designing new planting trials. Supervision of temporary summer personnel is required. This position is an exciting opportunity for individuals to assist with development of cultivars that directly impact wheat production in Washington.
Further questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Carter (mailto:ahcarter@wsu.edu).
Summary of Duties:
Assist in the coordination of field based research activities for the winter wheat breeding and genetics program, which includes, but is not limited to, data collection using traditional and molecular field breeding techniques, statistical analysis, experimental field design, field plot maintenance and data collection, pesticide application, and preparing results for publication. Duties include planting, maintaining, and harvesting plants grown under field conditions across the state of Washington and in collaboration with other breeding programs, general breeding methods (data collection, herbicide applications, maintenance of equipment, experimental design), spreadsheet management, ordering supplies, general equipment maintenance and supervision of temporary personnel.
Experimental Design and Execution | 60%
• Responsible for details in planning and execution of scientific experiments related to specialized breeding and genetics projects as well as cultivar development.
• Identify needs for advancement of novel techniques and procedures to meet research objectives.
• Design applied scientific experiments and interpret resulting data using advanced statistical designs and models, supervise graduate students and undergraduate students.
• Develop research objectives and projects, maintain research plots, and assist in cultivar development efforts.
• Maintenance of research plots involves driving tractors and other field equipment, planting, harvesting, and chemical applications.
• Assist collaborators, visiting scientists, and other constituents with research questions and problem solving.
• Improve efficacy of research methods regarding equipment, facilities and space availability. Perform related duties as required.
Data analysis and presentation | 25%
• Collect, analyze, interpret, present and publish research activities. Prepare project reports and summaries.
• Co-author publications and grant applications.
• Input data into data management systems and analyze using appropriate statistical models.
• Interpret results to identify outcomes of specific research activities and experimental lines for advancement and for variety release.
• Implement improved research methodologies. Provide input and assist development of research projects and grant applications.
• Develop drafts of annual reports, grant applications, and variety release publications.
• Attend and/or present results at seminars, technical meetings, etc.
• Assist in overseeing expenditures.
Supervision | 10%
• Train, advise, and lead other research personnel, support staff, graduate students, undergraduate students, and temporary employees.
• Supervise personnel in the use, operation, calibration, and maintenance of project equipment. Manage work schedules and personnel issues.
• Instruct faculty and staff in the safe use of field research equipment.
• Modify or provide specifications to improve experimental equipment.
• Provide technical knowledge on research and equipment issues.
• Consult with scientists or technical personnel outside the winter wheat breeding program concerning interdisciplinary projects.
• Conduct literature research to obtain information regarding new experimental techniques, software and equipment.
Other Duties | 5%
• Order supplies, chemicals, and equipment necessary to insure the program functions efficiently.
• Participate in and/or lead when requested in field tours, workshops, technical meetings, pesticide training sessions, and departmental committee meetings.
• Work independently in field, lab, and greenhouse collecting data using a wide variety of equipment or other duties as required.
This is an open-rank recruitment for either a Scientific Assistant or Scientific Assistant Senior classification. Placement in a classification will be determined on candidates' qualifications and experience.
Required Qualifications - Scientific Assistant:
• A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• A Master's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.
Required Qualifications - Scientific Assistant Senior:
• A Master's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and four (4) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience.
• A PhD in a scientific or engineering field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required work experience.
Additional Qualifications - Both Ranks:
• B.S. in molecular biology, plant breeding, crop science or a related discipline
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing;
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• Experience with field breeding plots and/or knowledge of plant breeding
• At least one year of experience working in an applied or research program
• Experimental and analytical skills, excellent organizational skills, and ability to collaborate with others
• Must have, or able to obtain, a valid driver's license by time of hire.
• Must have, or able to obtain or have a valid public operators pesticide license by time of hire.
• Must have, or able to obtain, first-aid certification
• Must have, or able to obtain, worker protection safety certification
Preferred Qualifications - Both Ranks:
• Ability to perform and apply standard statistical methods and analysis;
• Skills in propagation of plants and plant hybridization;
• Ability to operate and repair/maintain field research equipment.
Additional Information:
Area/College:
https://cahnrs.wsu.edu
Department Name:
Crop and Soil Sciences
City, State, Zip:
Pullman, WA, 99164
Department Link:
http://https/css.wsu.edu /
Monthly Salary:
Scientific Assistant: $3,750.85 - $5,397.56
Scientific Assistant Senior: $4,942.10 - $7,569.55
In accordance with https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For more information regarding Administrative Professional (AP) Compensation at Washington State University (WSU), please visit the following website: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/classification-compensation/ap-compensation-structure/
WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.
For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for AP staff visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf .
Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/
Overtime Eligibility:
Overtime Ineligible
FTE:
100%
Temporary End Date:
This is a temporary position expected to end one (1) year from the start date. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Posting Close Date:
This position has been re-posted. Applicants must submit their completed application by March 10, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Background Check:
This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Application Instructions:
Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Required Documents:
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or https://hrs@wsu.edu .
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5080508
Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.
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