Penn State University
Research Project Manager
– Penn State University
Location:
Biglerville, PA (Tree Fruit Production and Physiology Program, Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center)
Position specifics The Tree Fruit Production and Physiology Program at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in Biglerville, PA is seeking a Research Project Manager to join a collaborative research team. The candidate will support and advise on externally funded research projects related to apple, peach, and pear production (and other crops), fruit quality optimization through pruning, training system, rootstock, and orchard practices. The position serves as a primary reference for the Principal Investigator (PI) on day‑to‑day activities in the orchards, laboratory, greenhouse, and cold storage, interacting directly with staff, faculty, Extension, and internal/external collaborators.
Responsibilities
Participate in brainstorming and provide guidance on project planning with the Principal Investigator (PI).
Execute research objectives outlined in funded projects in collaboration with research staff, developing workflow procedures to prioritize and assign research tasks to students and technicians.
Manage and organize the collection of data related to all research projects in a timely manner.
Assist with data analysis and compilation of results.
Organize each project’s records and document keeping, including SOP maintenance, storage of fruit, inventory of materials, vehicle maintenance, chemical inventory and safety, and tracking of supply expenses.
Check instrument functionality in the research program (field and lab) at regular intervals and plan calibration and maintenance.
Coordinate, plan and complete milestones of each project, including delivering scholarly (peer‑reviewed articles) and Extension products (newsletters/seed‑facts).
Coordinate manuscript submission procedures with PI and project collaborators.
Compile regular reports of each project’s activities, reflecting achievements/barrriers per funding agency instructions.
Represent the program’s research interests at institutional workshops, meetings, and Extension events by presenting speeches or poster presentations.
Coordinate joint research activities with growers, collaborators at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, USDA‑APHIS, USDA‑ARS, and other universities.
Contribute to short‑ and long‑term planning of activities supporting subsequent grant proposals.
Oversee day‑to‑day activities in the orchard, laboratory, cold storage, and greenhouse.
Report to the PI daily on status of activities, proactively finding efficient solutions to optimize work.
Support PI on hiring, onboarding, and mentoring part‑time wage staff.
Ideal candidate
Direct and polite, with a desire to learn.
Goal‑oriented and able to work independently.
Possesses excellent research integrity and work ethics.
Has previous experience in horticulture, tree fruit physiology, pomology.
Knowledge of tree fruit production systems in apples, peaches and/or other crops and related rootstocks.
Effective knowledge of standard fruit quality analysis, laboratory and field‑use instruments (e.g., Licor 6800 gas exchange), microscopy and statistics.
Experience in program management and interest in project‑specific tasks.
Competence in oral and written communication.
Computer skills or commitment to acquiring skills for statistical software, Photoshop, Word, Excel, other Microsoft Office tools, cloud space, and software for instruments management and data acquisition.
Experience designing, coordinating, and managing research inquiries.
Experience in literature searching, writing, and preparing scholarly manuscripts.
Organized, responsive, attentive to detail, and professional demeanor.
Diplomatic communication with diverse audiences and adaptability to shifting priorities.
Ability to multi‑task between projects on the same day.
Required qualifications The candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
Preferred qualifications
Education and experience in a science related field (plant science or biology).
Minimum education, work experience & required certifications Bachelor's Degree (no prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education).
Background checks & clearances Employment requires successful completion of background checks per university policies. Additionally, the position requires operating a motor vehicle; a valid driver’s license and successful motor vehicle records check will be required.
Salary & benefits Salary range: $56,200.00 – $81,500.00. Full‑time benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families.
EEO statement Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.
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– Penn State University
Location:
Biglerville, PA (Tree Fruit Production and Physiology Program, Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center)
Position specifics The Tree Fruit Production and Physiology Program at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in Biglerville, PA is seeking a Research Project Manager to join a collaborative research team. The candidate will support and advise on externally funded research projects related to apple, peach, and pear production (and other crops), fruit quality optimization through pruning, training system, rootstock, and orchard practices. The position serves as a primary reference for the Principal Investigator (PI) on day‑to‑day activities in the orchards, laboratory, greenhouse, and cold storage, interacting directly with staff, faculty, Extension, and internal/external collaborators.
Responsibilities
Participate in brainstorming and provide guidance on project planning with the Principal Investigator (PI).
Execute research objectives outlined in funded projects in collaboration with research staff, developing workflow procedures to prioritize and assign research tasks to students and technicians.
Manage and organize the collection of data related to all research projects in a timely manner.
Assist with data analysis and compilation of results.
Organize each project’s records and document keeping, including SOP maintenance, storage of fruit, inventory of materials, vehicle maintenance, chemical inventory and safety, and tracking of supply expenses.
Check instrument functionality in the research program (field and lab) at regular intervals and plan calibration and maintenance.
Coordinate, plan and complete milestones of each project, including delivering scholarly (peer‑reviewed articles) and Extension products (newsletters/seed‑facts).
Coordinate manuscript submission procedures with PI and project collaborators.
Compile regular reports of each project’s activities, reflecting achievements/barrriers per funding agency instructions.
Represent the program’s research interests at institutional workshops, meetings, and Extension events by presenting speeches or poster presentations.
Coordinate joint research activities with growers, collaborators at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, USDA‑APHIS, USDA‑ARS, and other universities.
Contribute to short‑ and long‑term planning of activities supporting subsequent grant proposals.
Oversee day‑to‑day activities in the orchard, laboratory, cold storage, and greenhouse.
Report to the PI daily on status of activities, proactively finding efficient solutions to optimize work.
Support PI on hiring, onboarding, and mentoring part‑time wage staff.
Ideal candidate
Direct and polite, with a desire to learn.
Goal‑oriented and able to work independently.
Possesses excellent research integrity and work ethics.
Has previous experience in horticulture, tree fruit physiology, pomology.
Knowledge of tree fruit production systems in apples, peaches and/or other crops and related rootstocks.
Effective knowledge of standard fruit quality analysis, laboratory and field‑use instruments (e.g., Licor 6800 gas exchange), microscopy and statistics.
Experience in program management and interest in project‑specific tasks.
Competence in oral and written communication.
Computer skills or commitment to acquiring skills for statistical software, Photoshop, Word, Excel, other Microsoft Office tools, cloud space, and software for instruments management and data acquisition.
Experience designing, coordinating, and managing research inquiries.
Experience in literature searching, writing, and preparing scholarly manuscripts.
Organized, responsive, attentive to detail, and professional demeanor.
Diplomatic communication with diverse audiences and adaptability to shifting priorities.
Ability to multi‑task between projects on the same day.
Required qualifications The candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
Preferred qualifications
Education and experience in a science related field (plant science or biology).
Minimum education, work experience & required certifications Bachelor's Degree (no prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education).
Background checks & clearances Employment requires successful completion of background checks per university policies. Additionally, the position requires operating a motor vehicle; a valid driver’s license and successful motor vehicle records check will be required.
Salary & benefits Salary range: $56,200.00 – $81,500.00. Full‑time benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families.
EEO statement Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.
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