Research Associate: Computational Biologist (Internal Employment Opportunity)
Position Details
Position Information
Department
Ag Botany / Plant Path (ABP)
Position Title
Research Associate
Job Title
Research Associate: Computational Biologist (Internal Employment Opportunity)
Appointment Type
Academic Faculty
Job Location
Corvallis
Benefits Eligible
Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity
The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, Research Associate position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.
This position exists to support research on Phytophthora pluvialis. The incumbent will be responsible for using computational methods to study genome sequences to infer the evolutionary basis for host jumps by the oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora pluvialis and genomic bases of speciation in the Phytophthora genus.
College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: [click to reveal website link]
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
90% Research
5% Mentoring and outreach
5% Service
What You Will Need
PhD in biology, computer science, or related fields.
Three years of postdoctoral experience in computational, genome analysis of plant oomycete pathogens
Research experience with Phytophthora pluvialis.
Expertise with Phytophthora genomics.
Experience with developing computational workflows for other researchers.
Experience using a high performance computing (HPC) cluster.
Demonstrably collaborative with students and faculty having different perspectives, ideas, and backgrounds.
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 University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have
Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent research, and intellectual creativity.
Experience mentoring undergraduate students.
Demonstrated commitment to DEI and outreach.
Demonstrated commitment to service.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Standard molecular biology research lab and office. Expectation to work on site during work hours.
Pay Method
Salary
Pay Period
1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date
Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range
$65,640 - $71,000
Link to Position Description
[click to reveal website link]
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P09905UF
Number of Vacancies
1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
06/12/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date
05/07/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date
05/14/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / Internal
Special Instructions to Applicants
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3) Statement of Research
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Jeff Chang
[click to reveal email address]
[click to reveal phone number]
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at [click to reveal email address].