Research Assistant

The K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology is seeking a short-term Research Assistant to conduct lab testing for plant diagnostics to support Kansas growers. Length of position will be based on lab needs. The Research Assistant will support the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab through client interactions, lab management, and performing multiple diagnostic tests.

Plant Diagnostics:
- Identify plant diseases using appropriate techniques, such as: microscopy, culturing, ELISA, qPCR.
- Conduct wheat virus testing and provide results for client reports.
- Conduct molecular tests for plant diseases.
- Conduct culturing to isolate fungal diseases.
- Route client communications to the appropriate specialist.
- Assist with new agent training diagnostic lab tours.
- Support diagnostic projects as needed.

Lab Management:
- Assist with student worker supervision.
- Monitor lab mail, check-in plant samples into the PDIS database, communicate pending samples to lab staff and extension specialists.
- Route plant samples transfers to appropriate labs (Nematology, Herbarium, Entomology, Soils Testing Lab, and Horticulture).
- Maintain supplies of media, test kits and reagents according to diagnostic protocols.
- Assist with lab management projects as needed.

The K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab provides timely diagnostics of plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, and fungal-like organisms. Our mission is to provide this service to K-State Research and Extension personnel, consultants, commercial producers, landscape companies, and homeowners both within and outside of Kansas.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in plant sciences or related discipline. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with laboratory skills, including microscopy, ELISA, and molecular test methods.
• Demonstrated experience in computer programs for email, data management and report generation.
• Teamwork is needed as well as working with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

1. Letter of Interest
2. Resume or curriculum Vitae
3. Name, phone number and email for three professional references
4. Unofficial transcripts

Applications close on: January 19, 2026

$23.00 - $28.00 per hour