Job Description
Posting number: 2026-01526
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience
Division: Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center
Job classification: RESEARCH SUPPORT
Posting type: Open
Categories: Laboratory, Research
Title Research Associate
Position Number: 0097496T
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC)
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI
Date Posted July 18, 2026
Closing Date July 31, 2026, 11:59PM HST
Band B
Salary salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time Full-time
Month 11-month
Temporary/Permanent Temporary
Other Conditions 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 July 31, 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.
Duties and Responsibilities
- *Perform elemental analyses on plant tissue and other biological materials. Operate, calibrate, and maintain spectroscopic instruments and specialized laboratory equipment.
- *Participate in the evaluation of existing laboratory techniques, conduct literature searches, and consult with professionals to assist in developing and validating new analytical methods.
- *Apply knowledge of the practical value of field-specific research to systematically observe, analyze, and objectively report experimental results to align outputs with project goals.
- *Execute daily cultivation tasks including tissue culture, cloning, transplanting, plant transfer, and shipping. Manage nutrients, pH, water, positive airflow, temperature, humidity, and pest/disease control.
- *Manage plant scheduling and organization to precisely project and meet daily, weekly, and monthly needs, maximizing research plant yield and quality.
- *Maintain organization, sterility, and cleanliness of the cultivation facility. Scout, wash, and sanitize all laboratory and cultivation equipment to ensure tools are in working order and completely free of contaminants.
- *Monitor certifications for critical lab equipment (e.g., autoclave, hoods), and assist with ordering laboratory materials and supplies.
- *Catalog and maintain the organization of plants and all associated research protocols. Systematize daily laboratory functions and cultivation workflows into efficient, routine procedures.
- *Co-manage and supervise laboratory technicians and student workers by assigning daily duties, establishing work schedules, and ensuring productivity.
- *Comprehend and execute complex oral and written technical instructions seamlessly. Accurately demonstrate techniques and communicate complex operational needs to co-workers to safely meet research project deadlines.
- Maintain accurate records of chemical inventory.
- Other duties as assigned.
*Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of baccalaureate degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or Horticulture and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for tissue culture or other micropropagation techniques, or in sterile techniques; 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 controlled-environment plant cultivation, including tissue culture, cloning, nutrient/pH and water management, HVAC/environmental controls, pest management, and logistics.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with tissue culture.
- 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, apply word processing software.
- If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Supplemental Qualifications
- Knowledge of the methods and procedures used in the elemental analyses of plant tissue, and other biological material, and skill in the use of appropriate laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of the methods, materials, procedures, and techniques used in spectroscopy, and skill in the use of related spectroscopic analytical instruments.
- Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and to communicate complex oral communication to co-workers.
- Ability to conduct literature searches or to consult on analytical methods with other professionals.
- Knowledge of the practical and potential value of research and experimentation in the field involved.
- Ability to participate in the analysis and evaluation of existing techniques and procedures and to assist in developing new ones.
- Ability to observe, analyze, and report objectively the results of research and experimentation.
- Ability to organize laboratory functions into routine procedures.
Desirable Qualifications
- Five (5) years of experience in tissue culture, or other micropropagation techniques. Experience in tissue-culture of relevant to tropical agricultural and horticultural plants, in particular anthuriums, banana, breadfruit, sweet potato, and taro.
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;
- Resume/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).
- Any confidential data should be redacted (e.g. social security number, date of birth, etc).
- 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. Kevin Olival, kolival@hawaii.edu
Examples of duties
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/
