Penn State University · 1 month ago
Research Project Manager
The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Research Project Manager to join their Tree Fruit Production and Physiology Program at the Fruit Research and Extension Center. The role involves overseeing and advising on various externally funded research projects related to fruit production, ensuring effective data management and project coordination.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Participate in the brainstorming process and provide guidance on project planning with the principal investigator (PI)
Execute research objectives outlined in funded projects in collaboration with the research staff. This includes 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 with the utmost diligence. This encompasses a range of responsibilities, including the maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), the short- and long-term storage of fruit, the inventory of materials, vehicle maintenance, chemical inventory and safety, and the tracking of supply expenses
Check the functionality of all the instruments in the research program (field and lab ones) at regular intervals and plan the calibration and maintenance of them
Coordinate, plan and complete milestones of each project, including delivering scholarly (i.e. peer-reviewed articles) and Extension products (i.e. newsletter/fac sheet), to completion
Coordinate manuscript submission procedures by working collaboratively with PI and project collaborators
Compile regular reports of each project’s activities reflecting achievements and/or barriers in accordance with the instructions provided by the funding agency
Represent the program’s research interests at institutional workshops, meetings, and Extension events by presenting speeches or poster presentation
Interact and coordinate joint research activities with growers, collaborators at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, USDA-APHIS, USDA-ARS, and other universities
Participate and 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 on daily basis on the status of the activities being proactive in finding efficient solutions to optimize the work
Work with PI on hiring, onboarding, and mentoring part-time wage staff
Qualification
Required
The candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team
Preferred
Education and experience in a science related field (plant science or biology)
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
Company
Penn State University
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities.