Research Aide

The Research Technician will support laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based research focused on plant disease management, biological control, and pathogen diagnostics. This position involves conducting experiments, operating and maintaining research equipment, collecting and analyzing data, and collaborating with researchers, stakeholders, and growers. The technician will also assist in plant disease diagnostics, microbiological and molecular analyses, and maintaining research trials. The role requires frequent travel to research sites, grower fields, and university experimental stations. A valid driver's license is required, and the candidate must be comfortable driving field research vehicles. Some early morning, late evening, and occasional overnight travel will be required during the growing season.

Duties & Responsibilities: General

Field Work Activities

• Perform soil and plant tissue sampling from research plots and commercial fields for pathogen detection and analysis;
• apply plant pathogen inoculations in research trials, ensuring proper timing (early morning or late evening) to avoid UV degradation;
• monitor disease development in field trials, rating disease severity and collecting plant health data;
• scout for fungal, bacterial, oomycete, and viral diseases in vegetable and fruit crops;
• Assist in field experiment setup, maintenance, and execution, including preparing research plots, planting, and treatment applications;
• collect and transport field samples to the laboratory for microbiological and molecular analysis;
• operate and calibrate field equipment, including spray rigs and soil sampling tools.

Laboratory Work Activities

• Conduct microbiological, molecular, biochemical, and serological assays for plant pathogen detection and disease diagnostics (e.g., PCR, ELISA, plating techniques);
• prepare and maintain culture media, reagents, and plant pathogen cultures for laboratory and greenhouse experiments;
• operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, PCR machines, and ELISA readers;
• analyze field samples in the lab, verifying pathogen identity using microscopy and molecular techniques;
• assist in implementing and documenting new laboratory protocols to ensure compliance with research standards. Maintain detailed laboratory records, ensuring accuracy in sample tracking and research documentation.

Laboratory and Greenhouse Research

• Conduct microbiological, molecular, biochemical, and serological assays for plant pathogen detection and disease diagnosis;
• prepare and maintain culture media, reagents, and plant pathogen cultures for laboratory and greenhouse experiments;
• operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment (e.g., PCR, ELISA, microscopes) for research and diagnostics;
• perform soil and plant tissue sampling for pathogen detection and analysis;
• assist in implementing and documenting new or revised laboratory methods to ensure compliance with research protocols;
• maintain detailed laboratory records, data logs, and research documentation.

Field Research & Trial Management

• Assist in the design, setup, and maintenance of field experiments related to plant disease management;
• apply inoculum to research plots and monitor disease development in vegetable and fruit crops; inoculations with plant pathogens must be conducted early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize UV exposure, which can impact pathogen viability;
• operate and calibrate spray equipment for experimental pesticide and biocontrol treatments;
• follow pesticide safety regulations and maintain a commercial pesticide license (or be willing to obtain one);
• scout for fungal, bacterial, oomycete, and viral diseases in experimental plots and commercial fields;
• collect disease incidence, severity, and yield data from field trials;
• troubleshoot field research issues in coordination with OSU personnel and external collaborators;
• driving is required to visit multiple research sites, grower fields, and experimental stations. Fieldwork may require travel to different locations within the state, often during peak growing seasons.

Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

• Record and organize research data from laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials;
• use microscopy and molecular techniques to verify plant pathogen identity;
• analyze experimental data using statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, or equivalent);
• prepare figures, tables, and reports for publications, stakeholder presentations, and scientific meetings;
• assist in writing Plant Disease Management Reports (PDMR) and research publications.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication

• Work with OSU researchers, extension specialists, and stakeholders to coordinate research activities;
• communicate with seed and pesticide suppliers to acquire materials for experiments;
• present research findings to colleagues, growers, and industry stakeholders using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint);
• support outreach and extension activities related to plant pathology research and diagnostics.

Qualifications: Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or GED. 0 years of relevant experience required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for research activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field research.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Experience with microbiological and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, ELISA, culturing plant pathogens).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills. Knowledge of horticultural practices, pesticide application, and disease scouting.
• Ability to operate laboratory and field research equipment.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization tools (e.g., SAS, R, or Excel).
• Experience with plant disease diagnostics and pathogen identification.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a pesticide applicator license.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Location & Work Conditions

• This is a full-time, Term position based in Wooster, Ohio.
• Work will be conducted in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
• Travel is required to research sites, experimental stations, and grower fields, often involving early morning and late evening work.
• Fieldwork may require working in various weather conditions and performing physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and operating equipment.
• Early morning and late evening work is required for pathogen inoculations and field sampling to ensure optimal experimental conditions.
• Candidate must be comfortable driving field research vehicles to multiple locations.

This job profile is a Research Technician 1 (T1 level) on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications