Research Technologist

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State’s Department of Plant Science is seeking applicants for a Research Technologist. The successful candidate’s primary duty will be to manage the Forage Variety Testing Program, in which annual and perennial forage varieties are evaluated in multiple locations annually. In this primary role, the candidate will coordinate all day-to-day operations involved in the Forage Variety Testing Program, including but not limited to seed acquisition and preparation, transport of farming equipment to several locations within Pennsylvania, seedbed preparation, planting, fertilization, pesticide application, harvest, and post-harvest cleanup. The candidate will serve as principal contact with seed industry personnel and initiate contacts to solicit entries and ensure timely seed delivery. The candidate will collaborate with supervisors to analyze data, compile annual reports, and present program results in extension outlets.

The successful candidate’s secondary duty will be assisting in the Crops Cluster’s research, extension, and teaching activities. In this secondary role, the candidate will support the implementation of agronomic field trials on grain and forage crops. The candidate will collaborate with supervisors and colleagues in the Crops Cluster to ensure that research experiments are set up and data are collected in a timely manner. The candidate will participate in regular Crops Cluster meetings with supervisors, students, and colleagues to gain and provide feedback on the research, extension, and teaching activities.  

In both roles, the successful candidate is expected to ensure the safe operation of specialized equipment; collaborate with others to formulate new research methods and explore opportunities to refine current methodologies; collect data by measurement, samplings, and subjective assessments to evaluate grain and forage crops; prepare plant tissue and soil samples for lab analysis; statistically analyze and summarize data; supervise and train students and employees in proper data collection and research procedures conducted in the field and the safe operation of specialized equipment; maintain data records; coordinate the use of shared resources within the Crops Cluster and with other collaborators; attend and participate in professional development events.

Education and Experience:

This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s preferred) in Agronomy or related science plus ten years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication (verbal and written) skills are essential. Attention to detail and sound judgment are vital requirements, as well as the ability to work within a team environment. Experience with general farm equipment, computers, and statistical analyses is desirable. A Pennsylvania “Class A” Commercial Driver’s license is preferred, and Pesticide Applicator Certification in category 18 is required and must be obtained within 90 days from the hire date.

The following background checks must be successfully completed for this position: 

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. 

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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