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University of Hawaii System

Research Associate (#0081311)

University of Hawaii System, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 96814

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Overview Title : Research Associate

Position Number : 0081311

Hiring Unit : College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS)

Location : Honolulu, HI

Closing Date : November 8, 2025, 11:59PM HST

Band : B

Salary

: salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time : Full-time

Month : 11-month

Temporary/Permanent : Permanent

Other Conditions

: Position pending final clearance. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by November 8, 2025, 11:59PM HST.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the University of Hawaii IR-4 Program lead, independently conduct, coordinate, and technically arrange major pesticide efficacy, crop safety, and residue trials following good field and laboratory practices (GLP's) (guidelines set forth by the U.S. EPA).

Independently conduct, coordinate, and technically arrange major pesticide efficacy, crop safety, and residue trials following good field and laboratory practices (GLP's) (guidelines set forth by the U.S. EPA).

Coordinate with a Quality Assurance Officer to have critical phases of field trials inspected. Coordinate with and instruct experiment station personnel, growers, and student help in field preparation and maintenance operations.

Field trials will be conducted on Oahu and neighbor islands; therefore independent travel for 1- to 2-day periods is required, as well as driving to field sites.

Communicate with pesticide company technical representatives and CTAHR Cooperative Extension agents. Accurately calculate and measure the amount of pesticide needed per crop unit. Responsible for careful handling and application of pesticides.

Develop new and modify existing sampling and data collecting methods. Visually and quantitatively measure the effectiveness and phytotoxicity of pesticides. Aid in planning of experiments and provide input on budget preparation.

Collect crop samples (per SOP's) from research plots for residue analysis. Document pre-shipping and shipping conditions to ensure sample integrity. Coordinate with analytical laboratory regarding sample shipment and arrival dates. Package and ship crop samples in compliance with current regulations.

Statistically analyze and interpret results of field trial data. Summarize pesticide performance and phytotoxicity and provide an organized report. Prepare reports for publication or submission to appropriate sponsor or agency.

Calibrate and maintain pesticide application equipment. Perform careful calculations and adjustments to sprayer apparatus. Design and manufacture spray booms with appropriate nozzles and spray swath. Repair and maintain pressure regulators and gauges.

Maintain current training in hazardous materials safety. Develop procedures and methods for proper handling of packages containing dangerous goods (DG) hazardous materials. Package and ship pesticides in compliance with current regulations.

Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes Essential Function

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related fields and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for pesticide registration research; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of pesticide registration research as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.

Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with pesticide registration research.

Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.

Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and word processing software.

If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications

Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's license (class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation, which meets position needs.

Ability to obtain a Hawaii State Restricted Use Pesticide Applicators license, Category 10, and must obtain medical clearance, training, and fit-testing to use a respirator both within 6 months of employment.

Desirable Qualifications

Proficiency in experimental design and statistical data analysis.

Demonstrated ability to perform field and lab research and basic agricultural knowledge.

Knowledge of horticultural crop production.

Knowledge of the pesticide registration process.

Knowledge of pest management research (insects, plant pathogens, weeds, etc.).

Knowledge of handling pesticide spray equipment and pesticide safety.

Understanding of agricultural pest management concepts.

Training and/or experience conducting research following USEPA’s Good Laboratory Practice Standards (GLP’s).

How to Apply TO APPLY: Click in the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents. If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

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.

Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Inquiries:

Dr. Mark Dragich, dragich@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:

https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at:

https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link:

https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

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