Seed Lab Assistant

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Corvallis, OREGON
Deadline: 30 Jun 2026

Position Details
Position Information


Job Title Seed Lab Assistant
Appointment Type Student Employee
Job Location Corvallis
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
Remote or Hybrid option?
Min Hourly Rate $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill up to 5 part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during academic breaks) in-person Lab Assistants for the Seed Lab, Crop and Soil Science Department at Oregon State University (OSU).
The Seed Laboratory is a service seed testing lab, which exists to provide seed testing results to various growers, cleaners, dealers, regulatory agencies and researchers around the world. This position will also provide lab support to the Purity, Germ and Special Testing Units. This position may also provide administrative/clerical support to the Office Manager, Quality Manager and the Administration Unit Team. This position requires close attention to detail, ability to maintain focus in a busy work environment, being organized and adherence to the OSU Seed Lab Quality Management System.
The work schedule is Monday through Friday with some fluctuating/intermittent hours depending on sample load. Students may be asked to drive a motor pool car.
Transferable Skill Development
OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:
Communication, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Equity & Inclusion.
Position Duties
Student will help in preparing the tests that conducted at the germination and the special testing unit. Such tests as standard germination test, tetrazolium tests and other seed quality evaluation tests. Also student will help wash glass ware used in the tests, and other duties as assigned by the unit supervisor.

  • Planting seeds on trays according to seed testing rules
  • preparing seeds for tetrazolium according to seed testing rules
  • Washing seed testing dishes
  • Other duties as assigned, including cleaning the sample preparation area
Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-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
  • Must be able to maintain a consistent, punctual, and dependable work schedule.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Must be detail-oriented, as all work must be done with a high level of accuracy.
  • Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all information.
    • Must be able to work during the summer term when most of grass species are harvested and tested at the OSU Seed Lab.

  • A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
  • Strong preference for applicants able to work 40 hours/week during summer term and then 10-20 hours/week during fall and possibly winter term.
  • Prior laboratory experience is desirable but not required.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good organizational skills.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Students will spend the majority of their time either sitting, standing or walking.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P12979SE
Number of Vacancies 5
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/06/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date 10/30/2026
Posting Date 03/24/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 06/30/2026
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
For additional information please contact: Sabry Elias at [email protected]
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

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