College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Research Technologist-Tree Fruit

Employment type: Full-Time
Application Due Date: October 20, 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Krishnakumar Lab in the Plant Science Department at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Research Technologist to develop and conduct field research trials to help improve crop-load management and fruit quality in tree fruit (particularly apples and peaches), orchard maintenance, data collection, lab management, running of routine lab techniques, ensure safety compliance, mentor students, and co-author publications.

 

In particular, the technician will lead field experiments in the Russell E. Larson Research Station at Rock Springs (20 minutes from University Park campus), and the Fruit Research and Experiment Station (FREC), Biglerville, apart from managing field trials in grower orchards. The technician will also be responsible for regular maintenance of orchards in the Rock Springs research station including pruning, weeding, maintaining plots, and harvesting. The technician will also be responsible for data collection, analyses, and writing of the results. Apart from field duties, the technician will also be responsible for running routine lab techniques, sample preparation, and other lab duties as necessary, especially during the late Fall and Winter months.

 

The position will include data management, stewardship of undergraduates in the lab, and sample collections, ensuring field and lab safety compliance and performing management tasks, including purchasing, The technologist will have opportunities to participate in data analysis, the production of publications (co-authorship), and other professional development activities.

 

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding. 

 

Qualifications

• This position requires a B.A. in horticulture, agriculture, biology, plant science, or a related field, plus three or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates with an MS are encouraged to apply.

• Research experience can be obtained concurrently with degrees.

• This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties and regular travel to field sites to establish experiments and collect data. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

• The position requires you to be comfortable working outdoors for long periods of time, even in adverse weather conditions.

• Valued traits include independence, creativity, collaboration, meticulousness, persistence, problem-solving, working with diverse teams, and prioritizing tasks effectively.

 

Candidates are encouraged to apply before October 20th. Interviews will be conducted in late Oct/early Nov and the candidate can start as early as December 1, 2024 or January 1, 2025. Please contact the PI Dr. Krishna Kumar at shan.kumar@psu.edu if you have any questions.

 

The Krishnakumar Lab values diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect.

 

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.  

 

 

 

 

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

 

$42,100.00 - $61,000.00

 

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

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