Description

M.S or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity

One or two funded graduate research assistantship positions are available beginning in 2027 for students interested in horticultural research and extension, specifically in small fruit systems. Projects will focus on evaluating temperature impacts on blueberry fruit and other environmental variables. Experience in small fruit production and use of field-based scientific instruments and loggers to capture data is preferred.  Graduate research assistantships could begin as soon as possible.  Applicants must have relevant training and experience. Positions will be at Oregon State University in the Department of Horticulture, NW Berry Program. 

Funding is available to support the GRA appointment and tuition for 3 academic terms per year.  Successful candidates will also be encouraged to apply for supplemental funding and scholarships.  

Please email scott.lukas@oregonstate.edu and include PDF files of: 1)a brief letter of interest/experience and 2) a current CV. 

Requirements

For M.S. Applicants: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Botany, Genetics, or a closely related natural science field. 
For Ph.D. Applicants: A M.S. degree in a related discipline 

Core Technical Skills Needed:

Data & Analysis: Skills in experimental design, statistical software, or programming languages (such as R or Python) 
Field & Greenhouse Work: Practical experience managing crop trials, working with field-based sensors (Temp, Light, soil moisture, etc.), and associated programming in logging platforms (Campbell Sci.). 

Writing and scholarship: Demonstrated experience in publishing scientific research, presenting results to diverse audiences, and soliciting funding is desired.