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Summer Internship: Ag and Forest Soil Ecology Research Assistant

Penn State University
University Park, United Statespart_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Mar 2025

About the role

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • 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.

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 Kaye Biogeochemistry Lab group at the Pennsylvania State University is looking for research assistants for this summer. The field work will take place at the nearby forest Critical Zone Observatory site, Rock Springs Agronomy Farm, and possibly farms or local forests in the area and other sites in PA.

Applicants should be eager to work as part of a large research team, and be comfortable with both physical work in the field including but not limited to:

  • soil coring, biomass sampling, greenhouse gas sampling, and/or measuring tree growth and photosynthesis
  • processing samples in the lab such as soil extractions, chemical analysis, plant grinding, and root washing

The research assistants will be part of a multi-disciplinary research group working on either forest biogeochemistry and/or sustainable agriculture with cover crops and reduced tillage, as well as other biogeochemical soil research projects in our lab group. Potential opportunities are available for independent research as well as potentially internship credit. No prior experience is necessary, but relevant coursework and field/lab experience is helpful.   

Contact lab technician, Brosi Bradley @ bxb258@psu.edu with any questions.

This part-time position will be hourly at approximately 40 hours per week from approximately early May to August. The applicant should also have a valid driver’s license. Position open until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 20th.

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US 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, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SE

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Penn State University

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