Job No. 157331
- Job Title:
- Laboratory Technician 2 (Wood Research)
- Employer:
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Oregon State University (OSU)
- Location:
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Corvallis , OR
- Posting Date:
- 16-Dec-2025
- Description:
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Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Laboratory Technician 2 (Wood Research) position for the College of Forestry’s Department of Wood Science and Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU). This is a limited duration appointment expected to last approximately 2 years from the appointment begin date.
This position will perform laboratory-based testing and help in research of wood and wood products. The technician will perform all tasks associated with testing lumber for establishing their design values and ascertaining the relevant failure codes as per ASTM standards. Additionally, the technician will perform mechanical testing on plywood, oriented strandboard and other structural wood composites. Work will involve fabricating and machining large and small samples, data handling and analysis, and some undergraduate student management.
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.
• 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 Responsibilities
40%: Design and execute laboratory testing according to standard procedures, especially conduct testing of wood, and wood composites
20%: Prepare samples for testing using power equipment.
15%: Process data collected from testing using Microsoft excel so it is in a readable format.
10%: Install sensors, ensure workability and compatibility of the sensors.
10%: Perform routine laboratory protocols as per project demands.
5%: Other duties as assigned.
What We Require
Two years of experience performing routine, standardized analytical tests and laboratory procedures in accordance with well-defined written instructions and high school courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, or any course which included laboratory work; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience. NOTE: An Associate’s Degree in Laboratory Science may substitute for one year of the required experience.
What You Will Need
Willingness and ability to do basic wood working operations using power tools.
Ability to perform basic functions in Microsoft excel and organize spreadsheets.
Ability to communicate with undergraduate students and delegate tasks to efficiently complete projects.
Proficiency in algebra.
Ability to problem solve and re-direct work plans to more efficiently complete tasks.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
Completion of undergraduate courses in Physics, Maths and/or Wood Science
Experience with Universal Testing Machine
Experience in running ASTM tests wood or other fibrous natural material
Experience operating power tools for sample preparation
Experience failure coding of samples as per ASTM D198 and ASTM D143
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Full time; 40 hours a week. Monday – Friday: 8 – 5.
Work is primarily indoor in a laboratory setting
Ability to pull/push/lift objects weighing 50 lbs is required.
- Contact information:
- Oregon State University (OSU)
- Corvallis, OR 97331
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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