Job Description

Job Summary
The Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology 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 National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) contributes to the mission of the Oregon State University extension service by providing objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related subjects to the public and professionals, and by serving as a source of pesticide exposure data for tribal, state, and federal partners.

This role provides services to callers and website users as part of NPIC’s cooperative agreement with the U.S. EPA and is responsible for daily data collection and classification in NPIC’s Pesticide Inquiry Database.

The responsibilities of a Pesticide Specialist are aimed at fulfilling the following NPIC goals:
Provide objective, science-based pesticide information to the public and professionals via phone, email, social media, and web materials;
Provide inquirers with information regarding technical and regulatory issues;
Provide the medical community with crisis management assistance;
Collect and document robust information about pesticide incidents;
Maintain current reference sources about pesticides and related topics;
Provide user-friendly information to diverse audiences;
Develop fact sheets, videos, infographics and/or other pesticide publications;
Conduct scholarly research related to pesticide issues.
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/about

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.

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
40% Engage in science communication by providing unbiased, scientific pesticide information to the public and professionals through real-time research of scientific resources. Provide scientific information via answering phone calls placed to NPIC’s hotline, and responding to email and other inquiries. Respond to inquiries about pesticide risk by providing information on pesticide toxicology, environmental fate, and a wide variety of related issues. Use a variety of scientific databases and resources to provide science-based, objective responses. Collect detailed inquiry data for entry into NPIC’s Pesticide Inquiry Database and for use by tribal, state, and federal partners. Incorporate elements of data collection into publishable work or presentations.

20% Author or contribute to the maintenance and development of print and web materials for NPIC’s website (npic.orst.edu), including scientific pesticide-related resources such as pesticide fact sheets, chemical data files, pest biology, and other pesticide topics. as needed, drawing conclusions from data analysis in scholarly publications.

20% Contribute to other areas as needed for NPIC to fulfill its mission. Duties vary but may include contributing to the field of pesticide science by delivering presentations about risk communication or other topics, discussing NPIC data with stakeholders, planning collaborative outreach projects to reach Environmental Justice audiences, training new team members, creating new protocols for data analysis and processes, and more.

10% Research and review scientific publications to build a knowledge base about pesticides and related issues in order to provide timely and accurate information. Pursue continuing education opportunities and monitor relevant literature to maintain up-to-date knowledge of pesticide-related science and issues.

10% Classify data details about each inquiry and participate in data entry to contribute to the NPIC Pesticide Inquiry Database. Characterize pesticide incidents affecting humans, animals, and other entities using a standardized set of coding criteria. Participate in quality control exercises (QA/QC) to continually pursue a coordinated approach for documenting inquiries and incidents reported to NPIC for use by tribal, state, and federal partners.
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s degree in toxicology, environmental science/chemistry, biotechnology, agricultural sciences, public health, biology, soil science, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related scientific area (degree must include coursework in biochemistry, physiology, or equivalent).

Strong science communication skills, including the ability to interpret and translate technical information into non-scientific terms.

Demonstrated science-writing experience for technical and/or general audiences.

The ability to navigate controversial issues based on sound science.

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
Fluent in both spoken and written Spanish.

Master’s or PhD degree in toxicology, environmental science/chemistry, biotechnology, agricultural sciences, public health, biology, soil science, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related scientific area (degree must include coursework in biochemistry, physiology, or equivalent).

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following – Toxicology, environmental chemistry, integrated pest management, pesticide regulations, and pesticide use practices.

Experience working with the public in person or by phone, including outreach or education.

A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.