Job Opportunities

research technician-vegetable pathology

 

Job Summary

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology is seeking a Research Technician. In this role, you will work directly with faculty and graduate students to implement field trials of vegetable crops at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center. Under close supervision, you will support researchers in scheduling and operating the field equipment fleet used for field preparation, plot layout, planting, disease scouting, pesticide applications, and crop harvesting. In addition, you will collect research data related to field trials, assist in sample processing and data collection for laboratory analysis and prepare materials for the isolation and analysis of plant pathogens under close supervision of faculty.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Working under close supervision and primarily following pre-determined processes to achieve daily objectives and execute solutions that contribute to the overall success of field research efforts
  • Participating during the planning, preparation and implementation phases for complex field research trials
  • Setting up and calibrating equipment to meet expectations of research protocols
  • Documenting equipment calibrations, setup, and settings
  • Communicating with faculty regarding field and lab equipment issues
  • Facilitating equipment maintenance, modifications, and repairs to meet operational standards as well as specific needs to implement research trials
  • Initiating alternative solutions when original ideas are not feasible
  • Following all safety recommendations and procedures
  • Fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, teamwork, responsible work ethic, and synergies of staff
  • Participating in planning, preparing, and coordinating research plots
  • Assisting with data collection and archiving of data from field and laboratory research
  • Utilizing computers to collect and transfer data, calculating solutions, and communicating ideas including Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Participating and completing continuing education regarding technology and procedures related to job responsibilities
  • Maintaining a safe work environment for coworkers and others

What We're Looking For:

  • Associate’s degree within an Agronomics major: Agronomy, Ag Systems Management, Agribusiness/Management, Plant Pathology, or related field
  • 1 year of field experience
  • In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted (HS/GED + 3 years of experience)
  • Experience with setup, repair, modification and maintenance of certain field and lab equipment.
  • Ability to obtain certification and/or licensing in regulated areas as needed (example: Possess or have the ability to acquire a Cat 1 pesticide applicator license within 1 year of hire date)
  • Ability to operate a vehicle
  • Become approved to drive Purdue University vehicles

What We'd Like You to Know:

  • This position is located in Vincennes, IN
  • Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
  • Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
  • A background check is required for employment in this position
  • FLSA:  Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement:  Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply

Apply Here!



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The Department

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology has a diverse and creative faculty that conducts research in weed science, plant pathology, and plant biology. The department is part of a dynamic research community of scientists in the College of Agriculture and across the university, including SWPAC. The department is primarily located in Lilly Hall on the Purdue main campus in West Lafayette, with research labs, instructional spaces and teaching labs, a greenhouse complex, and plant growth facilities.

 The College

The Department is an integral part of the College of Agriculture, one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life, and natural resource sciences and ranked fifth in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. The College is deeply committed to the three land-grant missions (teaching, research, and extension), to international activities and perspectives that span all missions, and to excellence in all we do. The College has 11 academic departments, 290 faculty, 2984 undergraduate students, and 690 graduate students.