Laboratory Assistant (Short-Term)

Department:

College of Forestry

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

For additional information please contact:

Katy Kavanagh

[email protected]

Job Summary:

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (approximately 20 hours per week), short-term, Laboratory Assistant position for the College of Forestry at Oregon State University (OSU). This position is expected to last approximately 3-months.

The Lab Aide supports various tasks associated with the Cooperative Chemical Analytical Lab (CCAL) which specializes in high quality, trace level analysis of nutrients, ions, and physical properties of lake, stream, precipitation and groundwater research samples.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, lift, and process/document samples delivered in heavy (up to 50#) coolers and 14-L carboys.
• Filter bulk samples. Samples from plastic carboys need to be filtered into heavy glass carboys that require multiple washes between and after use.
• Setup of sample digests and sample dilutions.
• Load and unload gas tanks from forklift, move into position and transfer regulators.
• Stock chemical and waste pours for reagent preparation and disposal.
• Move, lift, and organize boxes of paper files to loft storage facility.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Training or experience demonstrating the:

• knowledge of basic laboratory techniques;
• knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and materials;
• knowledge of basic math;
• ability to follow formulas accurately;
• ability to handle, package, and store laboratory specimens and materials;
• ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment;
• ability to learn routing testing methods, procedures, and techniques;
• ability to keep accurate records in conformance with laboratory procedures; and i) ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• High school courses, in chemistry, biology, mathematics, or any course which included laboratory work, are considered qualifying.

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a laboratory setting
• Commitment to working professionally and inclusively with people from all backgrounds

On your application, be specific in addressing your training and/or experience to the areas listed in the required qualifications.

Working Conditions/Schedule:

Work is done in a lab setting and may require long periods of standing and sitting. Regular shift hours and off-hours as approved by the supervisor not exceeding 20 hours per week. Work includes lifting and carrying heavy items such as water samples and supplies. Includes handling hazardous chemicals. Incumbent must know and follow safety and reporting protocols.

Salary Range:

Min $18.06 - Max $22.84

Anticipated Start Date:

2026-09-14

Anticipated End Date:

2026-12-18

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected].