The K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology is seeking a short-term Research Assistant to conduct lab testing for plant diagnostics to support Kansas growers. Length of position will be based on lab needs. The Research Assistant will support the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab through client interactions, lab management, and performing multiple diagnostic tests.
Plant Diagnostics:
- Identify plant diseases using appropriate techniques, such as: microscopy, culturing, ELISA, qPCR.
- Conduct wheat virus testing and provide results for client reports.
- Conduct molecular tests for plant diseases.
- Conduct culturing to isolate fungal diseases.
- Route client communications to the appropriate specialist.
- Assist with new agent training diagnostic lab tours.
- Support diagnostic projects as needed.
Lab Management:
- Assist with student worker supervision.
- Monitor lab mail, check-in plant samples into the PDIS database, communicate pending samples to lab staff and extension specialists.
- Route plant samples transfers to appropriate labs (Nematology, Herbarium, Entomology, Soils Testing Lab, and Horticulture).
- Maintain supplies of media, test kits and reagents according to diagnostic protocols.
- Assist with lab management projects as needed.
The K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab provides timely diagnostics of plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, and fungal-like organisms. Our mission is to provide this service to K-State Research and Extension personnel, consultants, commercial producers, landscape companies, and homeowners both within and outside of Kansas.
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Please submit the following documents:
1. Letter of Interest
2. Resume or curriculum Vitae
3. Name, phone number and email for three professional references
4. Unofficial transcripts
Applications close on: January 19, 2026
$23.00 - $28.00 per hour
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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