Faculty Research Assistant: Microbiology (Aquatic Animal Health)

Faculty Research Assistant: Microbiology (Aquatic Animal Health)

Oregon State University

Department: Microbiology (Science) (SMB)

Appointment Type: Academic Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $46,620 - $48,620

Job Summary:

The Department of Microbiology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant: Microbiology (Aquatic Animal Health) position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

The Faculty Research Assistant will support the Principal Investigator's research program in the Department of Microbiology, College of Science at Oregon State University. This position is essential to maintaining ongoing research investigating parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases affecting salmonids and zebrafish-work critical to understanding aquatic animal health in the Pacific Northwest and supporting collaborative partnerships with tribal nations and natural resource agencies. The FRA will ensure the daily operations of zebrafish vivarium and salmonid research populations, conduct molecular diagnostics and pathogen characterization, participate in field sample collection, and contribute to scientific communication through manuscripts and presentations. This role is vital to the research program's capacity to train students, maintain IACUC compliance, respond to emergency situations affecting animal welfare, and advance the laboratory's mission of conducting community-engaged research on infectious diseases impacting economically and culturally significant fish populations.

The Department of Microbiology, staffed by about 20 faculty and five instructors, trains about one thousand undergraduate majors and 25 graduate students. Research interests encompass studies on the biology and pathogenesis of viruses and bacteria, microbial ecology and evolution, and environmental microbiology. For more information on the Department of Microbiology, please visit the web site at https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmicrobiology.science.oregonstate.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjodi.harrison%40oregonstate.edu%7C91b9c2280cf5408d0ea508de5ab27f8c%7Cce6d05e13c5e4d6287a84c4a2713c113%7C0%7C0%7C639047919840502253%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZVe7lgoifgSCGU9gM8g4owQsXfAzOZ3psrtU68cgI8k%3D&reserved=0. This position facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

OSU has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, inclusive excellence, and community. We actively engage in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity and building community. All employees are responsible for helping to maintain and enhance OSU's collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity.

The College of Science is deeply committed to upholding the values of anti-racism, diversity, justice and equity - cornerstones of institutional and scientific excellence. Through our rich collection of people, ideas and perspectives, we engage in a healthy, constructive dialogue to learn, inform our research and make discoveries. Our Diversity Action Plan (https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.oregonstate.edu%2Fdiversity-plan&data=05%7C02%7Cjodi.harrison%40oregonstate.edu%7C91b9c2280cf5408d0ea508de5ab27f8c%7Cce6d05e13c5e4d6287a84c4a2713c113%7C0%7C0%7C639047919840528425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iamwIDlI7TtARjjdjnzDTvSKHU3RCDmdMYd6GVbnXwk%3D&reserved=0) informs our work to ensure all have equitable access to succeed in science, work to dismantle systems of oppression, embed equity in everything we do and create a climate of trust, understanding and inclusion.

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

• 7 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 a 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.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

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Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Husbandry (50%)Maintain zebrafish vivarium operations including daily health monitoring, water quality management, breeding colony maintenance, and system troubleshooting. Maintain salmonid populations for transmission experiments and research studies. Monitor fish health and welfare across species in compliance with OSU IACUC and BioSafety requirements. Oversee care across multiple facilities including zebrafish vivarium, Fish Disease Hall, Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, and associated facilities. Coordinate with Facilities staff regarding system maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure needs. Respond to emergency situations including equipment failures, water system issues, power outages, and flooding events. Order and manage laboratory supplies, feed, and materials.

Research & Laboratory Operations (30%)Perform necropsies on fish and isolate pathogens, including those that may infect humans. Characterize parasitic, bacterial, and viral pathogens using phenotypic and molecular methods (PCR, qPCR, histology, microscopy, cell culture). Participate in field sample collection at off-site locations including hatcheries, rivers, tribal facilities, and public collection sites. Process and archive biological samples according to laboratory protocols. Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including thermocyclers, microscopes, and aquatic system components. Analyze molecular and epidemiological data using appropriate software and bioinformatics tools. Assist with experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Maintain accurate records and contribute to research documentation. Assist with IACUC protocol maintenance, amendments, and compliance documentation.

Supervision & Training (10%)Provide guidance and training to undergraduate and graduate students working with fish. Train personnel on proper equipment use and maintenance. Ensure lab safety compliance and proper technique among trainees. Coordinate student schedules for animal care coverage.

Scientific Communication & Scholarship (10%)Contribute to manuscript development including data visualization, methods documentation, and literature review. Assist with manuscript preparation, editing, and revision processes. Support preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and research presentations. Contribute to research presentations and posters for scientific conferences and community meetings. Maintain organized datasets and documentation to facilitate publication. Travel to conferences and workshops for continued professional development and dissemination of research findings.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the field in which research is being conducted (e.g., biology, microbiology, fisheries, aquaculture, veterinary science, or related fields)

• Experience with basic molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR)

• Ability to respond to emergencies outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Current, valid Driver's License that must be maintained throughout employment

• BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) training or ability to complete upon hire

• Ability to work both on main campus and at off-site facilities as needed

• Physical ability to perform animal husbandry duties including lifting supplies, standing for extended periods, and responding to emergency situations

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

• Master's degree in biology, microbiology, fisheries, aquaculture, or related discipline

• Formal training in fish husbandry, fisheries, and/or aquaculture

• Experience maintaining fish in experiments, performing fish necropsy procedures, and establishing/conducting in vivo transmission studies with fish

• Experience with advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, including qPCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and assay optimization

• Experience with bioinformatics tools, sequence analysis software, or statistical analysis programs

• Experience with bacteriology culture and biochemical identifications

• Experience with zebrafish husbandry systems and breeding colony management

• Experience with aquatic animal health management and disease diagnostics

• Familiarity with diverse aquatic pathogen groups (parasites, bacteria, viruses)

• Experience with field sample collection and processing in aquatic environments

• Experience with community-engaged research, tribal partnerships, or collaborative projects with natural resource agencies

• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences, including community partners, agency personnel, and tribal representatives

• Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or technical reports

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Willingness to travel for professional development and research dissemination

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Work is performed in multiple laboratory and aquatic facility environments including wet labs, zebrafish vivarium, Fish Disease Hall, and Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory. The position involves regular exposure to water, fish pathogens (including those that may infect humans), biological samples, and laboratory chemicals. Work requires BSL-2 compliance and adherence to biosafety protocols.

Physical requirements include lifting supplies and equipment (up to 50 lbs), standing for extended periods during animal care and laboratory procedures, repetitive motions associated with fish husbandry and laboratory work, and ability to respond quickly to emergency situations. Work involves exposure to wet conditions, temperature variations in aquatic facilities, and occasional work outdoors during field sample collection at hatcheries, rivers, and tribal facilities.

This position requires on-call availability for emergency response during evenings, weekends, and holidays to address critical situations such as equipment failures, flooding, power outages, or other events that threaten animal welfare. Some flexibility in work schedule is required to address urgent animal care needs, accommodate research timelines, and participate in field sampling activities at off-site locations.

Travel is required for field sample collection and may be required for professional development opportunities, conferences, and research dissemination. Work must be performed both on main campus and at off-site facilities as needed.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by February 11, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

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.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:Corbin Schusterschustco@oregonstate.edu(541) 737-4350

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.

Salary will be determined based on experience.

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 our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the 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 at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/6947446

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