Undergraduate Research Technician - Plant Science

DescriptionCal Poly Pomona Enterprises Employment ServicesANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCYSUMMARYCal Poly Pomona Enterprises is hiring part-time undergraduate Plant Science students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study to assist with a mushroom cultivation and nutrient analysis research project under the mentorship of Dr. Eshwar Ravishankar, Assistant Professor in Plant Science. The project focuses on cultivating mushrooms using different inoculation techniques and evaluating the nutrient composition of substrates and mushroom biomass. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL GET TO DO (this is just a small sampling of work variety):Preparing and sterilizing growth media such as agar plates and grain substrates. Assisting with inoculation of petri dishes and grain jars using liquid culture techniques. Supporting mushroom cultivation processes from inoculation through fruiting and harvesting. Preparing substrates and maintaining growth environments such as dark and light incubation tents. Collecting samples and assisting with laboratory preparation for nutrient analysis methods such as nitrogen determination and mineral composition analysis. Recording experimental observations, documenting procedures, and assisting with data collection for research reports. Maintaining laboratory cleanliness and ensuring proper sterilization and contamination prevention procedures. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Must be a current Plant Science student at Cal Poly Pomona. Interest in plant science, microbiology, mycology, soil science, or agricultural research. Prior experience in laboratory work, agriculture, or horticulture is preferred but not required. Ability to follow sterile laboratory procedures and research protocols. Strong attention to detail and ability to document research activities. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work both in laboratory settings and controlled growth environments. Motivated, innovative, and shows initiative. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. ABOUT USAs the largest employer of students on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the Enterprises offers valuable work experience and hands-on training to approximately 1,500 Cal Poly Pomona students each year. The Enterprises offers positions in various fields; whether it is in the area of technology, science, retail, culinary arts, hospitality1500 management, leadership or research grants, these student employees participate in Cal Poly Pomona's learn-by-doing philosophy and acquire practical skills in their designated field of study. The Enterprises also contributes operating support to nearly 1,100 Enterprises and scholarship programs every year, including Bronco Athletics and the Norman J. Priest Scholarship. In addition, the Enterprises administers grants and contracts, contributes to campus security, and supports several university publications. The Enterprises contributes over $1 million annually to Cal Poly Pomona. CSU along with Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises strongly recommend faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare an exemption from doing so. The systemwide policy can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy and any questions may be sent to fdnhr@cpp.eduCal Poly Pomona Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises, Inc. may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.