Job Information
Oregon State University Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research in Corvallis, Oregon
Position Details
Position Information
Department Crop and Soil Science (ACS)
Classification Title Bio Science Research Tech 1
Job Title Biological Science Research Technician 1: Lepidopteran Insect Research
Appointment Type Classified Staff
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Employment Category Regular
Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Science Research Technician 1 position for the Crop & Soil Science at Oregon State University ( OSU ).
This position will support ongoing insect research in the Kaur laboratory. The successful candidate will assist with a range of tasks involving monitoring efforts of lepidopteran insect pests during trapping routes in the commercial fields of different crops.
The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have excellent attention to detail and organization skills. This position requires field and greenhouse work with use pesticides.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
•Top 1.4% university in the world
•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
•217k+ alumni worldwide
•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
•Retirement savings paid by the university.
•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
80% – Laboratory, Greenhouse and Field work
Contribute to monitoring efforts of lepidopteran insect pests (armyworm, cutworm, sod webworm etc.) during trapping routes in the commercial fields in different crops (grass seed, clover, mint etc.). This will involve driving to growers’ fields in Oregon
Assist with set-up of laboratory experiments to understand biology and behavior of insect species (choice and no-choice tests for understanding host plant resistance to insects)
Help set-up field and greenhouse experiments for investigating the ecology of insects and their natural enemies
Assist the PI and postdoc in assisting field experiments to conduct efficacy trials of insecticides and biopesticides in both laboratory and field settings
Check laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments on a regular basis.
Maintain colonies of insect species (mentioned above) and natural enemies in the laboratory
Search databases for relevant research articles
10% Greenhouse and Farm Operations
Maintain plants, insect colonies, and natural enemy colonies in greenhouses and/or at the OSU farm
Water and clean when needed
Make minor repairs to equipment
10% Reporting
- Collect, enter and organize data and summarize research results as required
What We Require
Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
What You Will Need
Two years of college-level courses in Biological Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biological & Ecological Engineering;ORan equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience working with insects.
Experience working and conducting experiments in a laboratory, greenhouse and/or in the field.
Ability to work with diverse communities
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.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
Experience
working outdoors under unpleasant weather conditions e.g. heavy rain
working with insects
working with bio or conventional pesticides
building items for scientific experiments e.g. traps, insect arenas for studying behavior
Microsoft Office and other standard software programs
Ability to work independently as a member of a team.
Good organization skills.
Strong communication skills.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Field work often starts at sunrise and conditions can be cold, rainy and muddy.
Checking traps and collecting insects will involve frequent kneeling and bending over i.e. repetitive movement is required for part of this work.
Greenhouse work involves long periods of standing and work under warm-to-hot greenhouse conditions. Lifting and movement of planting trays, pots and planting media will be required.
Field and greenhouse work may require standing all day for several days in a row.
Pesticides will be used in greenhouse, lab and field phases of this program. Candidate is expected to obtain an appropriate category of pesticide applicator licenses to assist in field applications. All pesticides are applied and used in accordance with label requirements. The individual in this position must be comfortable in working in an environment where pesticides are used.
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Min Salary $18.06
Max Salary $23.88
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/179327
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P05627CT
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 05/15/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 04/21/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 05/05/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc.Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position.Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position. Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.
Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).
Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.
PLEASE NOTE :If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.
Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.
For additional information please contact:
Navneet Kaur
Navneet.kaur@oregonstate.edu
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. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If 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 ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/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 atemployee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Supplemental Questions
Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/179413
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.