Research Project Manager

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. 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. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants. 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. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. This is a/an 80 % full-time equivalency (FTE) job. This position will work 32 hours per week. This position is eligible for benefits associated with any full-time position. The salary grade and range listed in the posting is reflective of a 100% Full-time position. Full-time equivalency job offers may fall outside of the listed range due to the assigned percentage of effort. POSITION SPECIFICS The Tree Fruit Extension Entomology Program at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC), located in Biglerville, PA, is seeking a Research Project Manager to join a collaborative research team. The candidate will help oversee and advise on multiple externally funded research and extension projects related to the biology and behavior of insect pests affecting tree fruit, the development and implementation of integrated pest management practices and tools, advanced insect monitoring, and will be the primary manager of day-to-day activities in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. This position will interact directly with staff, faculty, Extension, and internal/external collaborators. Responsibilities: Oversee and advise on project planning and the execution of research objectives outlined in funded projects. This includes developing workflow procedures to prioritize and delegate research tasks. Manage and organize a collection of results across all research projects; assist with data analysis and result compilation. Lead, coordinate, and evaluate milestones of each project, including writing of scholarly and Extension products, to completion. Prepare regular reports of each projects activities reflecting achievements and/or barriers. Coordinate manuscript submission procedures by working collaboratively with PI and project collaborators; represent the programs research interests at institutional workshops, meetings, and Extension events. Interact and coordinate joint research activities with collaborators at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, USDA, and other universities. Facilitate each projects records and document keeping, including SOPs, long-term storage of materials, and materials and supply expenses. Participate and contribute to short and long-term planning of activities supporting subsequent grant proposals. Oversee day-to-day activities in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field, which include complying with EHS regulations and maintaining oversight of other regulatory permits. Work with the PI on hiring, onboarding, and mentoring part-time wage staff. The preferred candidate will: Have previous work-related experience in entomology, microbiology, or other biological sciences. Have a working knowledge of the tree fruit production system. Have effective knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and statistics. Knowledge of bioinformatics is preferred but not required. Possess a Pennsylvania Certified Pesticide Applicators License, Category 18, or acquire it within the first 3 months of employment. Have experience in program management and be interested in becoming skilled in specific project tasks. Have computer skills or commitment to acquiring skills for statistical software, Photoshop, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office tools, and other software. Have experience designing, coordinating, and managing research inquiries. Have experience writing and preparing scholarly manuscripts. Be organized, responsive, detail-oriented, and professional. Be able to adapt to shifting priorities. Be goal-oriented and able to work independently. Possess excellent research integrity and work ethics. Demonstrate high competency in oral and written communication. Required Qualifications: The candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None Application instructions: For full consideration, applicants must include a cover letter, a Curriculum Vitae, and a list of 2 references with contact information. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the universitys teaching, research, and service mission. 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