New

Laboratory Assistant

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
$17.38 Hourly
dental insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
2301 North Cameron Street (Show on map)
Mar 25, 2026
THE POSITION Are you eager to expand your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in a scientific setting? The Plant Pathology Program of the Department of Agriculture is currently on the lookout for a dedicated individual to fill the role of Laboratory Assistant. In this position, you will play a crucial part in conducting diagnostic tests for organisms that cause plant diseases, contributing significantly to the health of our agricultural community. If you have a passion for laboratory work and are motivated to provide essential services that benefit your local environment, this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you. Do not hesitate-apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in plant pathology! DESCRIPTION OF WORK In this position, you will play a crucial role in various activities related to assisting with plant disease surveillance and diagnosis across laboratories, greenhouse, field, and office settings. Your responsibilities will include the collection of plant, water, and soil samples, and assisting with techniques to identify potential pathogens. You will also be involved in nematode extraction from soil and plant specimens, assist with culture isolation and nucleic acid extraction. Additionally, you will assist with immunochemical and molecular testing to further assess plant health. Beyond these tasks, you will assist with greenhouse activities and contribute to general laboratory maintenance as required, ensuring that all environments are conducive to research and experimentation. 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 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. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Special Requirement: You must be in possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver's license or equivalent. Additional Requirements: You must be willing and able to work in Dauphin County, PA. You must be willing to work a temporary, full-time schedule without benefits. You must be able to perform essential job functions. 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.