Undergraduate Student Laboratory Assistant

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: 22 days ago
Location: Corvallis, OREGON
Deadline: 05 Apr 2024

Position Details
Position Information


Job Title Undergraduate Student Laboratory 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 $14.20 (Standard); $13.20 (Non-Urban); $15.45 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $21.00 (Standard); $18.50 (Non-Urban); $21.50 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Undergraduate Student Laboratory Assistant for the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at Oregon State University (OSU).
The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is an integral part of the College of Veterinary Medicine and provides diagnostic services for the College, practicing veterinarians in the state and region, wildlife officials, and livestock, poultry, and pet owners.
The purpose of this position is to provide general laboratory support, by performing record keeping, organizing/labeling specimens and reagents and general housekeeping required for daily operation of the Laboratory. This position performs critical detailed tasks, but will not be performing any diagnostic testing procedures.
This position works under the direct supervision of other Microbiologists or the laboratory supervisor, who assign work verbally or in writing. Specific Standard Operating Procedures are strictly followed in order to maintain quality control standards. Work is reviewed by professional staff for accuracy and completeness.
Position Duties
30%: Keep laboratory clean by performing daily, weekly and monthly cleaning tasks. This will include washing and sterilizing labware, using an autoclave, cleaning all laboratory areas (counters, floors) and equipment, as directed
30%: Label and organize specimens and reagents. Assist with preparation of specimens for testing, which includes handling specimens in a biosafety cabinet, use of centrifuges, scales, pipettors and other laboratory equipment. May include preparation of reagents for testing procedures.
20%: Record keeping and filing
15%: Various other laboratory support tasks, as requested
5%: Keep supplies stocked and rotate stock on shelves as new supplies are received. Inform supervisor if stock is low
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
  • Training or experience demonstrating knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, materials and use of various pieces of equipment
  • The ability to keep accurate records and follow written and verbal instructions
  • Ability to ask questions if instruction is not clear or to clarify specific tasks to ensure they are completed accurately
  • Self motivation, consistent attention to detail and initiative to complete additional work as needed
  • Ability to work alone and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
  • Attendance during assigned shift is critical
  • High School courses in chemistry, biology or any course which included hands on laboratory work
  • Much of the work requires concentration and attention to detail. Inability to follow instruction explicitly and demonstrate attention to detail will result in loss of position. The incumbent will start on a trial basis, to be extended at the discretion of the supervisor
  • Rabies vaccination is required and will be provided at no charge


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 OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 2 years
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
  • College level courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology or other related field
  • Work experience in a biological science laboratory
  • Prefer individual available to work through the academic year
Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P10886SE
Number of Vacancies
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 04/15/2024
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 03/27/2024
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 04/05/2024
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: Dawn Dirksat[email protected].
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.
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 OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
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.

Similar Positions