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• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory seeks to fill a part-time Assistant Laboratory Analyst position, 16 to 24 hours per week, beginning in March 2024.

The Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory (AASL) supports the education, research, and extension missions of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences by providing analytical testing and research-based recommendations to inform sustainable resource management decisions. The laboratory provides testing programs for agricultural, horticultural, and environmental materials including soil, manure, biosolids, compost, plant tissue, and water. The laboratory is accredited for drinking water and environmental testing by the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

This position will work primarily in the laboratory’s water testing program, but will assist other programs, as needed. Requires attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment. Typical duties include sample receipt, preparation for analysis (subsampling, filtration, preservation), preparation of reagents and standards, operation of analytical instrumentation and equipment, and data entry/import. Assays performed by the position include total dissolved solids, total coliform and E. coli, pH, alkalinity, ion chromatography, and turbidity. All methods are performed following laboratory standard operating procedures.

Required Experience, Education, and Competencies:

Bachelor of Science degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficient in the use of MS Excel, Word, and Outlook and experience using relational database management systems (e.g., Filemaker, MS Access MySQL). Preference will be given to candidates with experience working in an accredited environmental laboratory.

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter summarizing their training and relevant experience, a current resume, and contact information for three professional references. Inquiries about the position can be