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• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• 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 Indoor Plant Physiology Lab (IPPL) in the Department of Plant Science is seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic applicants for the part-time job of research technologist, willing to implement and support current research activities.

The IPPL focusses on plant response to indoor environment in greenhouse and vertical farming systems. This position offers the opportunity to work in collaboration with the PI (Dr. Paul Gauthier) and researchers of all levels to execute experimental priorities in high-impact projects designed to establish the lab and Penn State as a leader in Controlled Environment Agriculture within the next two years.

Job duties to include:

• Contribute to establishment and upkeep of multiple indoor farm projects on strawberry, leafy greens, herbs and more.

• Assist with experimental sampling, performing laboratory analyses and data management.

• Support day-to-day operations (ordering, lab organization, and inventory maintenance).

• Manage logistics of multiple concurrent research projects.

• Follow University policies and safety protocols; foster a welcoming, professional environment.

Applicants should demonstrate strong technical, analytical, and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Familiarity with some of the following topics are not necessary, but are highly desirable: 

• Previous experience with hydroponic system, greenhouse management and pest management.

• Previous laboratory experience, especially in biology, ecology, and/or agricultural settings.

• Coursework or work experience in plant physiology, greenhouse production (crop agnostic) and Biochemistry.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Schedule:

• This position is funded for 6 months; continuation past 6 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $22.00.