Food Innovation Center Lab Assistant

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: 10 months ago
Location: Portland, OREGON
Deadline: 30 Nov 2023

Position Details
Position Information


Job Title Food Innovation Center Lab Assistant
Appointment Type Student Employee
Job Location Portland
Position Appointment Percent 100
Appointment Basis 12
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Min Hourly Rate $13.50 (Standard); $12.50 (Non-Urban); $14.75 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $20.40 (Standard); $19.90 (Non-Urban); $20.90 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill three part-time (a maximum of 20 hours per week) Lab Assistant positions for the Food Innovation Center in Portland, Oregon, part of Oregon State University (OSU).
This is a temporary position for part-time work to assist with conducing large consumer taste tests/sensory evaluation. Tests dates are variable and may be on weekends, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am to 5pm are preferred test days/times.
Position Duties
The Student Worker will be assisting the Sensory Program staff with the scheduling of participants, preparation of food and serving of samples for consumer taste tests. Duties will include:
  • Scheduling participants
  • Sending confirmation emails
  • Making copies
  • Coding serving materials
  • Food sample preparation/serving
  • Clean up


Consumer tests are conducted both at the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center laboratory complex in downtown Portland, OR and off-site. The laboratory complex includes a reception area, 10 taste test booths and a staging area, a focus group room and a commercial kitchen.
Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: http://fa.oregonstate.edu/stu-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

  • Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
  • Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
  • Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
    • High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
    • Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
    • Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
    • Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
    • Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*


*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
  • Preferred student candidates will be available for a minimum of 6 months
  • Have a current Food Handlers License
  • Have solid knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and Outlook)
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The student worker may be required to work up to an approximate 20 hours per week.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P09369SE
Number of Vacancies 3
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 01/09/2023
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 12/07/2022
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 11/30/2023
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Resume/Vita
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
For additional information please contact: Ann Colonna at [email protected]

OSU is committed to the health of our local and global community. All employees and students are required to comply with the university’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Please visit https://covid.oregonstate.edu/ for additional information about OSU’s plans for safety and success, as well as options for compliance with the vaccination program.
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.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

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