Faculty Research Assistant

Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement and the College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Horticulture invite applications for a Faculty Research Assistant position. This is a 12-month, full-time, fixed-term position with the Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Program stationed at the OSU Extension Service Wasco County Office in The Dalles, Oregon. Reappointment is at the discretion of the PI and Extension Regional Director.

As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, outreach and engagement, Oregon State University (OSU) promotes economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. The mission of the OSU Extension Service is to engage the people of Oregon with research-based knowledge and education that strengthen communities and economies, sustain natural resources, and promote healthy families and individuals.

 

This Faculty Research Assistant contributes to the missions of the OSU Extension Service (OSUES) and the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS). CAS faculty are committed to enhancing learner success by engaging them in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and Engagement are likewise committed to learner success through outreach activities appropriate for diverse audiences.

 

This Faculty Research Assistant reports to the horticulture managing faculty in Wasco County. Decisions regarding this position are made in consultation with the supervision team which includes the Extension Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resource Program Leader, Horticulture Department Head, and the Central Regional Director.

Active and effective communication with colleagues and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position.

Purpose of position:

The primary purpose of the horticulture program is to conduct research and outreach focused primarily on fresh sweet cherry and production systems to enhance the cherry industry in the Mid-Columbia area. Research involves field and laboratory analysis of fruit quality and quantification of fruit yield, as well as assessment of effects of rootstock selection, plant growth regulator application, and nutritional or irrigation practices, etc. The purpose of this position is to assist the managing faculty with all aspects of the planning, implementation and management of the research program. This person will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data, preparing presentations, scientific publications and extension articles, and supervision of employees. This person will also be responsible for minor maintenance and operation of all horticultural field and laboratory equipment.

About the division:

The Division of Extension and Engagement (Division) is core to Oregon State University’s mission. The Division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The Division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our Division and its core units and initiatives, please visit our Division website: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/.

 

The Division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian’s awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources. These activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements and summary of accomplishments/achievements.

 

Commitment to inclusive excellence:

Oregon State University is committed to a culture of belonging and collaboration. We envision collaborative and respectful environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language/Visual Access regulations.

 

OSU Division of Extension and Engagement’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit https://extension.oregonstate.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion

 

OSU Mission Statement

https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/trustees/about-board/oregon-state-university-mission-statement

Position Duties

This Faculty Research Assistant embeds the commitment of the university to inclusive excellence in all interactions and duties performed and contributes to a safe, welcoming and respectful learning and workplace environment.

 

65% – Applied Research

• Conduct applied research activities under the direction of the managing faculty that supports Extension programming as well as demonstration projects in areas of specific need and clientele interest in sweet cherry production. Travel to sites is required.
• Applied field work research activities may include assessing tree growth, harvesting fruit at the appropriate time, collecting environmental (light, soil, soil moisture) data, applying foliar plant growth regulators and nutrients, and assisting with general orchard maintenance. Travel to sites is required.
• Applied laboratory analysis may include assessing fruit quality attributes, assisting in the maintenance of laboratory equipment, and organizing samples.
• Evaluate and document applied research and extension impacts of programs and communicate the results to the managing faculty.
• Collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to develop and implement applied research programs in sweet cherry.
• Assist other faculty and technicians in carrying out cooperative experiments.
• Cooperate with sweet cherry producers to access research plots.
• Maintain Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License with the Demonstration and Research option for creating demonstration plots and conducting research that may involve pesticides.

20% – Data Management

• Input, organize, and analyze data using spreadsheets and statistical software packages. Interpret and draw conclusions from data collected.
• Prepare tables, graphs and data summaries from the analyzed data for publications and presentations. Author/co-author publications resulting from research. Present research at scientific meetings as needed.
• Communicate applied research progress and results to stakeholders and provide educational opportunities using peer reviewed publications, professional meetings, commodity group presentations, extension events and electronic communication (i.e., web sites, publications, video conferencing and other online methods).
• Create, review, edit, and update appropriate Extension publications that serve the needs of the clientele served.
• Follow OSU and division brand guidelines, digital publishing standards and digital contact management data integrity practices for programmatic communications, marketing and engagement.

10% – Supervision

• Train and supervise seasonal farm laborers and students for plot maintenance and data collection. Supervision includes planning, assigning, and approving work. May potentially supervise up to three undergraduate student interns.

5% – Service

• Participate in departmental and faculty meetings and committees consistent with the duties of this position.

Minimum/Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or similar field. Degree must be completed by start date.
• Experience conducting field and laboratory research, including experimental design.
• Experience with basic statistical analysis of data.
• General knowledge and ability to use computers, including proficiency with information technology, professional office software and collaborative work platforms.
• Effective communications (written and verbal) skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License with the Demonstration and Research option within six months of employment and maintain it through employment.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a group of temporary employees and students.
• Demonstrable commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communication systems, including websites, email newsletters, social media, and other tools in a changing technological environment.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months.

 

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

• Master of Science in Horticulture, Plant Physiology or Pomology.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with fruit tree biology and/or orchard production systems.
• Experience publishing in refereed journals.
• Experience presenting research data at professional meetings to scientific audience.
• Experience presenting at extension or out-reach meetings to grower audience.

Working Conditions/Work Schedule

• Laboratory work and field work including work under field conditions (cold, heat, wet and dust).
• Regular work schedule but may require some overnight travel and work outside of normal working hours (early morning, evening, weekends) if need arises.
• Driving is essential to operate a motor vehicle to travel to research sites.
• Ability to carry, lift, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

To review posting and apply, go to: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/151456. Apply to posting #P07864UF. Closes 4/1/2024. OSU is an AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled.