Plant Pathology Field and Greenhouse Assistant

Hiring Organization: Vegetable Plant Pathology Lab - MSU
Employment type: Seasonal
Job Location: East Lansing, MI
Application Due Date: May 5, 2025

Plant Pathology Field and Greenhouse Assistant  

Handshake Job# 9829980

 

Position Type: On Campus Student Employment

Start and End Dates: 5.5.25 – 8.22.25

Pay Rate: $15/hour

Job Role Groups: University Student Researchers

School Year: Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, and Other (Please send your summer work availability during the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.)

# of Hires: 1

 

Job Summary

The Vegetable Pathology Lab is seeking an undergraduate student to assist with research projects. This position involves working with graduate students and other undergraduate research assistants on multiple projects concerning plant pathogens and their hosts. The job is field and greenhouse based, but there may be a lab and data entry component. Applicants must be willing to work in the field under a variety of weather conditions. Some work may occur in fields that have been treated with pesticides, Worker Protection Safety course and personal protection equipment will be provided. Field work will be within driving distance of campus and MSU vehicles will be available for transportation. Tasks may include lifting up to 50lbs from the floor to waist height and walking over uneven ground.

 

In this position, you will gain experience with research trial set-up and maintenance and receive training in the specific techniques needed to complete the work. Prior field and/or greenhouse experience is helpful.

 

Position

This is a part-time temporary position during the summer semester. Applicants must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week (within the hours of 8am-5pm Monday-Friday) during the summer. There is a possibility of employment extension through the fall semester.

 

Responsibilities

  • Drive lab truck to field research sites
  • Collect samples from and maintain spore traps
  • Plant seeds and transplant plants
  • Water and fertilize plants
  • Weeding and plot maintenance
  • Crop harvesting and sorting
  • Take and catalog high-quality photographs of research projects
  • Pathogen culture collection and maintenance
  • Microscopy
  • Greenhouse cleaning and maintenance
  • Autoclaving
  • Dish washing
  • Data entry

 

Qualifications

  • Enrolled undergraduate student in a relevant field of study (e.g. horticulture, plant science, crop science, etc.)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to work independently, while effectively communicating with co-workers and supervisors
  • Attention to detail, excellent record keeping, and ability to follow protocols
  • Critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • No previous field or greenhouse experience is required but is beneficial- training will be provided

 

Required Application Materials

  • Resume
  • Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and qualifications
  • Work availability during the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday