(Casual Hire) Scientific Support Officer

Description

Title: (Casual Hire) Scientific Support Officer - Agricultural Biosecurity Summer Research Program

Position Number: Casual Hire
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS)
Location: University of Hawaii, Manoa, Hawaii
Date Posted: May 20, 2026
Closing Date: May 20, 2026, 11:59 PM HST
Salary: $30.00 – $32.00/hour
Schedule: Up to 30 hours/week
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Appointment Period June 1, 2026 – August 30, 2026. This position is subject to availability of funding and renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance, staffing requirements, and/or availability of funding. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by May 20, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in agricultural biosecurity, molecular diagnostics, genomics, biotechnology education, and scientific workforce development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific and administrative support for summer research and training workshops focused on agricultural biosecurity and biotechnology.
• Assist in the preparation, organization, and coordination of laboratory and field-based training activities involving molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics applications.
• Support workshop logistics, participant onboarding, scheduling, and documentation.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of laboratory materials, consumables, instructional resources, and scientific equipment.
• Process and maintain records, reports, forms, participant data, and training documentation associated with program activities.
• Support undergraduate and graduate student participants during hands-on training exercises and research activities.
• Assist with the implementation of biosafety, laboratory safety, and research compliance procedures.
• Participate in program outreach, educational activities, and professional development events as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the summer research and workforce development program.
• Ability to work flexible hours, Monday through Friday, not to exceed 30 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a post-baccalaureate degree in agriculture, molecular biosciences, microbiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biological sciences, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques related to agricultural biosecurity, molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, biotechnology, or research support activities.
• Functional knowledge of molecular biology, genomic technologies, DNA-based diagnostics, or bioinformatics applications relevant to agricultural or biological sciences.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and resolve operational and technical issues commonly encountered in laboratory, workshop, or research-training environments.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, prepare reports and documentation, and communicate effectively with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, students, staff, partner institutions, and external collaborators.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of personal computers and common software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and/or Google Workspace applications.
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and team-based environments.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience supporting laboratory instruction, research training programs, workshops, or scientific outreach activities.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing workflows, or microbial culture techniques.
• Experience working with undergraduate or graduate student training programs.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety, biosafety, or agricultural biosecurity practices.
• Interest in scientific workforce development, genomics education, or applied agricultural research.

• Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae (CV);
• Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
• Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree-granting institution are required upon hire). Diplomas will not be accepted.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA