Penn State University · 1 month ago
Research Project Manager
Center, IN
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$56K/yr - $82K/yrPenn State University is seeking a Research Project Manager to join their Tree Fruit Production and Physiology Program at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center. The role involves overseeing and advising on various externally funded research projects related to fruit production, ensuring effective project planning, data collection, and collaboration with staff and external partners.
Higher Education
No H1B
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
Bachelor's Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education
The candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team
Have previous work-related experience in horticulture in tree fruit physiology, pomology
Have knowledge of tree fruit production systems in apples, peaches and/or other crops and related rootstocks
Have effective knowledge of standard fruit quality analysis, laboratory and field-use-instruments (i.e. Licor 6800 gas exchange), microscopy and statistics
Have experience in program management and be interested in becoming skillful on specific projects' tasks
Demonstrate competency in oral and written communication
Have computer skills or commitment to acquiring skills for statistical software, Photoshop, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office tools, cloud space, other software for instruments management and data acquisition
Have experience in designing, coordinating, and managing research inquiries
Have experience in literature searching, writing and preparing scholarly manuscripts
Be organized, responsive, attentive to detail, and possess a professional demeanor
Be able to communicate diplomatically with different audiences and adapt to shifting priorities at the last minute
Be multi-tasking in rotating between different projects on the same day
A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S
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
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Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Hamza Jamjoom
Co-Founder - Arts & Architecture Student Council
Kara Pytko
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