1

Greenhouse Lab Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Greenhouse Lab Assistant information

What is the difference between Greenhouse Lab Assistant vs Greenhouse Technician?

AspectGreenhouse Lab AssistantGreenhouse Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related courseworkAssociate's degree or certification in horticulture or related field
Work EnvironmentIndoor greenhouse labs, controlled environmentsGreenhouses, outdoor and indoor settings
Job FocusAssisting with experiments, maintaining plant samples, data recordingManaging plant growth, troubleshooting equipment, maintaining greenhouse conditions

The Greenhouse Lab Assistant primarily supports research activities within controlled lab environments, focusing on data collection and plant care. In contrast, the Greenhouse Technician handles the operational aspects of greenhouse management, including plant maintenance and equipment troubleshooting. Both roles require knowledge of plant care, but the Lab Assistant is more research-oriented, while the Technician emphasizes hands-on greenhouse management.

What are the typical duties of a greenhouse lab assistant?

A greenhouse lab assistant is responsible for maintaining plant health by watering, pruning, and monitoring growth conditions. They assist with experiments, record data, and may operate tools and equipment such as grow lights and climate control systems. Attention to detail and basic knowledge of plant biology are important for this role.

What is a greenhouse lab assistant?

A greenhouse lab assistant is a worker who supports plant research and cultivation in a greenhouse environment. They may assist with planting, watering, monitoring plant health, and maintaining lab equipment, often using tools like pH meters and growth chambers. This role typically requires knowledge of plant biology and attention to detail.
Infographic showing various Greenhouse Lab Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Part-Time Research Assistant Positions - Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology

Washington, DC • On-site

The Pennsylvania State University
Education • 11 - 50 employees

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Part-time research assistant positions (spring, summer, and fall) are available in the Esker Lab, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology. These roles support laboratory and fieldwork for the plant disease epidemiology program, focusing on research on field crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.

We are a dynamic lab that employs various methods to manage plant diseases, supported by federal grants and funding from commodity groups and industry partners. Our research is carried out using facilities at Buckhout Laboratory on the University Park campus. We also conduct field trials at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim, and across Pennsylvania as part of the Soybean On-Farm Network. Opportunities are also available for independent research!

Typical duties in this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Fungal culture media preparation
  • Microbiological culturing and isolation of soil and seed-borne fungal pathogens
  • Enumeration of fungal colonies
  • Selection of pure cultures of isolates for long-term preservation
  • Microscopic evaluation and identification of fungal cultures
  • Assist with laboratory assays, including pathogenicity tests and fungicide sensitivity studies
  • Assist with DNA extraction and quality check of fungal isolates from different genomic projects
  • Collect soil and plant samples from field and greenhouse experiments and provide necessary assistance with sample processing before analysis/evaluation
  • Perform germination tests for corn, soybean, and wheat seed samples from field trials
  • Assess plant diseases from research studies conducted in the field, as well as in greenhouse or growth chamber trials
  • Data entry of field and laboratory experiments

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines


Pennsylvania State University logo

About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

Social media