Research Intern (wsu)

Job Description

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

Business Title:

Employee Type:

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

This position will perform specialized and technical horticultural tasks to support research projects in the orchards, greenhouses, and laboratories. Work independently with responsibility for specific portions of the research project and/or technical specialized work. Enter data into appropriate record keeping programs or software. Assist in designing, developing and evaluating data collection procedures. Provide feedback to supervisors to fine-tune protocols to identify and categorize fruit disorders.

A teamwork attitude is requested for collaborative work inside the group. Occasionally train other temporary workers in data collection or research project implementation steps.

Duties and Responsibilities:

80% Orchard and Lab Research and Analysis

• Conduct experiments in the orchard, greenhouse and laboratory per the protocols provided

• Brainstorm and discuss with supervisors how to optimize and make the protocols more efficient.

• Calibrate and operate analytical equipment and quantitative instrumentation, troubleshoot issue and contact appropriate support.

• Coordinate the daily work with planning and preparatory steps to facilitate the successful completion of data collection, sorting processes, and general in-field or lab assessments.

• Build fruitful work relationship with research scientists, technologists, and graduate students for the successful coordination of the experiments.

• Use baseline guidance to make decisions when preparing the materials needed for the field experiments. This will include getting all harvest supplies and datasheets ready.

• Adopt scientific principles to represent faculty/researchers in conducting the experiments, recording all the necessary experimental conditions, and collecting the samples appropriately.

15% Laboratory management and communication

• Skillfully perform quality-check on collected data before inputting the data collected into Excel spreadsheets to ensure sound and complete values were recorded.

• Maintain meticulous records throughout the experiment to ensure accuracy and reproducibility but also to convey precision, thoroughness, and a high level of organization.

• Communicate the results to the supervisors both in writing and verbally.

• Critically share with the supervisors all constraints and possible aspects that can limit or affect the experiments on a daily basis.

• Plan ahead of need all the supplies necessary to complete the experiments and restock inventories

• Supervise and train temporary workers.

5% other duties

• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent related field experience performing professional-level work with scientific or clinical research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

• Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory; interviewing experience; excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Demonstrated experience in horticulture for 3-4 years, in particular with apple and pear research projects with both field and lab components.

• Demonstrated ability to interact with teammates and individuals related to work environment.

• Experience in data entry in Excel, compiling notes in Word, and build power points

• Demonstrated flexibility in rotating among different research projects.

• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity;

• Diligence in reporting precisely to the supervisors about all matters from data collection to restocking supplies.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Department Name: Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

City, State, Zip: Wenatchee, WA

Department Link: Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

Monthly Salary: $3,514.31 - $5,057.18 at 100% FTE ($2,460.02 - $3,540.03 at 70% FTE) | Zone 2, Grade 2

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. 

Benefits:  WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Overtime Eligibility: Eligible for overtime

FTE: 70%

This is a Temporary position.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary OR project position expected to end on August 31, 2025, will possibility of renewal. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

• Resume/CV  

• Cover Letter 

Time Type:

Position Term:

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

WSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates compliant with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.