Oklahoma State University · 1 day ago
Senior Research Specialist
Stillwater, OK
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$45K/yr - $65K/yr
5+ years expOklahoma State University is seeking a full-time Senior Research Specialist to assist in establishing and managing a comprehensive research and breeding program for ornamental and nursery crops. The role involves supervising staff, managing daily operations in various environments, and conducting experiments focused on plant breeding and evaluation.
EducationSocial ImpactUniversities
Responsibilities
Supervise, lead, and train student workers, interns, and junior laboratory personnel to ensure compliance with OSU and regulatory policies
Manage daily operations in greenhouse, laboratory, and field environments, including experiment setup, data collection, and maintenance of plant materials
Implement and conduct experiments focused on breeding, propagation, and evaluation of ornamental crops. Activities include sowing, transplanting, vegetative propagation (cuttings, grafting, division, tissue culture), pollination and crossing, seed harvesting, germination, and development of breeding populations
Evaluate plants for growth, flowering, foliage color, stress tolerance, disease and pest resistance, ornamental quality, and yield through both visual and instrumental measurements
Record observations, collect and analyze data, compile reports, and assist with preparation of manuscripts, grant reports, and plant patent or cultivar release documentation
Support integrated pest management (IPM) by scouting for pests, diseases, and weeds; identifying issues; and coordinating control measures and pesticide applications as needed
Operate, calibrate, and maintain field and research equipment and instruments, including those measuring pH, EC, moisture, fertility, soluble solids (Brix), pollen and seed viability, and chlorophyll content
Prepare, review, and update research protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data management systems to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and safety
Maintain chemical inventories, assist with biosafety and compliance documentation, and ensure adherence to OSU’s chemical hygiene and greenhouse safety standards
Order, track, and maintain laboratory and greenhouse supplies, tools, and equipment inventories
Assist in developing extension and outreach activities such as field trials, demonstration plots, and industry collaborations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's in horticulture, plant science, plant breeding and genetics, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
A minimum of five years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, or two years of experience with a master's degree. The candidate should have at least three years of successful experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings. Experience should include hands-on work in greenhouse and field environments involving plant propagation (seed, cuttings, grafting, or tissue culture), maintenance of breeding and research materials, and data collection for crop evaluation. Candidates should have experience establishing and managing breeding populations, growing horticultural crops under greenhouse and field conditions, evaluating yield and quality, and implementing integrated pest, disease, and weed management practices. Completion of college-level statistics courses is needed
Valid driver's license and the ability to travel between university and field research sites
Certified pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain certification within the first three (3) months of employment
Must be able to lift and carry more than 50 pounds and perform physical tasks required for greenhouse and field research
Proficiency in operating laboratory equipment, including High Performance Liquid Chromatography, microspectrometers, microscopes, and water potential pressure chambers
Knowledge and experience operating field equipment such as mowers and cherry pickers
Hands-on skills in installing irrigation systems, constructing agricultural fencing, and building related tools and infrastructure to support field research
Hands-on skills in maintaining or repairing laboratory equipment
Ability to analysis data
Preferred
Master's in horticulture, plant science, plant breeding, plant biotechnology or closely related field
A master's degree may substitute for up to three years of experience
Five or more years of experience in horticultural research, nursery or greenhouse management, or applied plant breeding projects
Experience supervising student workers or technical staff, coordinating research trials across multiple sites, and maintaining large-scale breeding or germplasm collections
Demonstrated experience conducting plant evaluations for ornamental traits, stress tolerance, and adaptation to regional climatic conditions
Prior experience preparing research reports, publications, or extension materials related to plant breeding or crop evaluation
Certified pesticide applicator license with experience in integrated pest management practices
Commercial driver's license (CDL) or experience operating research or nursery equipment (tractors, sprayers, etc.)
First aid or safety training certification applicable to greenhouse or field environments
Proficiency in experimental design, data management, and use of software for statistical or field data analysis (e.g., Excel, R, SAS)
Knowledge of plant tissue culture and micropropagation methods for woody or herbaceous ornamentals
Experience maintaining environmental control systems, irrigation systems, and greenhouse automation equipment
Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting research results and coordinating with growers, collaborators, and industry stakeholders
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines in dynamic research environments
Benefits
Competitive benefits
Company
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU is America’s Brightest Orange.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Oklahoma State University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (73)
2024 (63)
2023 (83)
2022 (68)
2021 (60)
2020 (70)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$261.63MKey Investors
State of OklahomaU.S. Department of AgricultureU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2025-05-29Grant· $250M
2024-12-10Grant· $0.09M
2024-07-17Grant· $10M
Leadership Team
Don Kyle
CEO, National Center for Wellness and Recovery, Oklahoma State University
Roger Reid
CEO
Recent News
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