Faculty Research Assistant (Biological & Ecological Engineering)

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR, USA 🇺🇸

Position Details

Position Information

DepartmentBiol & Ecol Engineering (ABE)
Position TitleFaculty Research Assistant
Job TitleFaculty Research Assistant (Biological & Ecological Engineering)
Appointment TypeAcademic Faculty
Job LocationCorvallis
Benefits EligibleFull-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?Yes
Job SummaryThe Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.The Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) will work in the Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering (BEE) at Oregon State University. Incumbent will have expertise in web-based tool development and technology with applications in agricultural water management.Incumbent will develop web-based tools and technologies to support more efficient agricultural water management and use in Oregon. This position will work with faculty across the college to 1) develop innovative tools utilizing spatial, statewide to field-scale datasets, 2) develop necessary computing techniques and infrastructure to support these tools. This position is part of a multi-pronged effort to provide innovative technical tools for ag producers to improve water management.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.Oregon State University’s commitment to student success includes hiring, retaining, and developing diverse faculty to mentor and educate our undergraduate and graduate students from entry through graduation. The Oregon State Plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, exhibits the strategies we believe are critical to advancing and equalizing learner success. The College of Agricultural Sciences is likewise committed to the success of all learners accessed through its extension and outreach programs through our Strategic Advantages.
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: https://oregonstate.edu/aboutLocations: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.Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities75% Develop, implement, and test new algorithms and tools for agricultural water management decision support, including web front-end and back-end development and associated data management.10% Participate in the emerging Ag Water Technical Advisory Program and collaborate with colleagues10% Provide service to the program, department, college and/or university5% Publish results of research in appropriate professional journals
What You Will NeedBachelor’s degree in Engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, biological sciences or relevant field.Familiarity with modern data analysis and spatial data analysis techniques.Understanding of and familiarity with modern web technologies/web stacks for delivering modern, interactive data-driven web applications.Demonstrable programming skills in JavaScript/related web application frameworks.Demonstrable programming skills in Python/related web application frameworks.Contributes to a welcoming working environment that fosters diversity and inclusion.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 HaveGeneral familiarity with water use in agricultural systemsUnderstanding of agricultural water analyses, including evapotranspiration and crop water use estimation,Familiarity with techniques for modeling crop-related processes and/or crop growth models,Familiarity with machine learning techniques, including statistical methods, for complex data analyses,Demonstrable experience with using remotely-sensed data and GIS/spatial data analyses,Familiarity with the React framework for web application development,Familiarity with GitHub and/or similar source-control systems and processes.
Working Conditions / Work ScheduleTypical office environment
Pay MethodSalary
Pay Period1st through the last day of the month
Pay DateLast working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary RangeSalary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience
Link to Position Descriptionhttps://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/164195

Posting Detail Information

Posting NumberP09343UF
Number of Vacancies1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date10/01/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date08/12/2025
Full Consideration Date08/27/2025
Closing Date09/12/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this searchCompetitive / External – open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to ApplicantsTo ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 27, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:1) A resume/CV; and2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.Letters of Reference will be requested on finalists only. When applying, you will be asked to provide the email address and telephone number for three referees who will be sent a secure quicklink that will allow them to upload the requested letters of reference on your behalf.For additional information please contact:Malena Orduna Alegria
malena.orduna@oregonstate.eduWe 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 employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

  1. VETERANS ONLY: Must provide proof of Veteran Status (DO NOT upload any unrelated documentation – information uploaded to this field will be removed once reviewed)

12 days remaining

Apply by 27 August, 2025

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development