Food Science Research Assistant - Berry Breeding Program

Position DetailsPosition InformationJob TitleFood Science Research Assistant - Berry Breeding ProgramAppointment TypeStudent EmployeeJob LocationAuroraPosition Appointment Percent100Appointment Basis12Pay MethodHourlyPay Period16th - 15th of the following monthPay DateLast working day of the monthRemote or Hybrid option?Min Hourly Rate$15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)Max Hourly Rate$21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)Position SummaryThis recruitment will be used to fill two part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) student technical assistant for the horticulture department at Oregon State University (OSU).Employees assist in data collection related to small fruits (raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry) in support of USDA breeding programs located in Corvallis, OR (campus location), with student employee work primarily conducted at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC), Aurora, OR (primary research site). Work will involve processing and collecting fruit quality data on berry breeding lines harvested from research trials at the OSU-NWREC experiment station during summer term.Transferable Skill DevelopmentOSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:Communication, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, TechnologyPosition DutiesAssist USDA berry breeders in processing fruit samples harvested from experimental trials, collecting data on fruit quality and post-harvest characteristics, recording data, and analyzing datasets. Will involve assisting in harvesting berry samples, freezing berry samples, measuring sugar and acid content, measuring firmness and other texture traits, evaluating shelf life.Minimum QualificationsFull Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirementsMust be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of studyMust meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employmentMust meet the applicable minimal enrollment standardHigh School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling programUndergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per termUndergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per termGraduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term* *International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered "full-time" by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center. Additional Required QualificationsMust be at least 15 years of age and able to:Perform assigned tasks without close supervision after trainingPay attention to detailWork indoors/outdoorsTolerate exposure to dust, fumes, noise and outdoor summer temperaturesSit/stand/walk for extended periodsLift up to 50 lbsIf at least 18 years of age, with a valid driver's license, be willing to drive a motor pool vehicle to offsite locations, as needed, at the request of the supervisor.Preferred (Special) QualificationsResidence in south Portland area during summer term for ease of access to OSU-NWREC work site located in Aurora, ORExperience with laboratory protocols, plant propagation and care, data entryExperience or interest in training to operate tractors and farm equipment (minimum age 18)Working Conditions / Work ScheduleStudent employee will have option to begin working prior to 6/1/2026 and continue working after summer months on a part-time basis if desired.Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Student employees are limited to 40 hrs per week during summer and 20 hrs per week during class terms and during term breaks. Students will receive laboratory, greenhouse, and farm safety training through OSU.Posting Detail InformationPosting NumberP12933SENumber of Vacancies2Anticipated Appointment Begin Date06/01/2026Anticipated Appointment End DatePosting Date03/12/2026Full Consideration DateClosing Date06/01/2026Indicate how you intend to recruit for this searchCompetitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible studentsSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsWhen applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:1. A Resume/Vita2. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this positionFor additional information please contact: Patrick Jones at patrick.jones@oregonstate.eduWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.