Laboratory Assistant

Full Job Description

Are you eager to gain hands-on experience in a scientific setting? The Plant Protection Program of the Department of Agriculture is looking for a Laboratory Assistant to help with diagnostic testing for organisms that cause plant diseases. If you have an interest in laboratory work and want to contribute positively to your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Do not hesitate—apply today!

Requirements

In this position, you will support various tasks in the laboratory, greenhouse, field, and office that focus on monitoring and diagnosing plant diseases. This includes collecting samples as well as assisting with testing plant, water, and soil samples through methods like macro- and microscopic examination, nucleic acid extraction, ELISA, and PCR testing. Additionally, you will be assisting with greenhouse operations, general laboratory maintenance and entering data into databases.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Temporary full-time employment, will run from approximately May to November.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Experience in any of the following areas:
  • Biology
  • Plant Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Greenhouse or field work

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.