| To apply and for more information, visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/153333
The Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research & Extension Center (MCAREC) invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Director.
Position Description: This position is in the horticulture program at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research & Extension Center (MCAREC) located in Hood River, Oregon. The primary purpose of the horticulture program is to conduct research and outreach focused primarily on fresh sweet cherry and pear production systems to enhance the tree fruit 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 program leader 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 and scientific publications, and supervision of employees. This person will also be responsible for minor maintenance and operation of all horticultural field and laboratory equipment.
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Position Duties:
30% – Field work. Apply plant growth regulators or other treatments to trees. Assess tree growth by measuring trunk diameter and shoot length and canopy height. Measure/count/collect buds, flowers, fruit, or leaves. Collect environmental (light, soil, water, etc.) data. Assist in the set up and maintenance orchard infrastructure such as irrigation systems, trellises or data collection equipment. Communicate with grower cooperators to ensure safe entry into working orchards. The research will be conducted in MCAREC and grower orchards.
30% – Laboratory analysis. Assess fruit quality attributes, including size, weight, firmness, acidity and sugars. Perform freeze tests on buds or other material to test cold hardiness. Dissect buds and/or fruit and prepare samples for molecular analysis. Take publication-quality photographs of different plant materials.
20% – Input, organize, and analyze data using spreadsheets and statistical software packages. Prepare tables, graphs and data summaries from the analyzed data for publications and presentations. Draw conclusions from data, and participate in scholarly activities to communicate research results (including co-authoring publications and making scientific presentations.
20% – Train and supervise classified employees, seasonal farm laborers and students for plot maintenance and data collection. Supervision includes planning, assigning, and approving work. Assist other faculty and technicians in carrying out cooperative experiments.
Minimum/Required Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or similar field.
- Experience conducting field and laboratory research, including experimental design.
- Experience with basic statistical analysis of data.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; Word, Power point, Excel.
- Must be able to work independently or as part of a group of temporary employees and students.
- Supervisory experience.
- Effective communications in written and oral English.
- Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License with Demonstration and Research Category within six months of employment and maintain it through employment.
- A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
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.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications:
- MS in Horticulture, Plant Physiology or Pomology.
- 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.
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