Research Project Manager - Tree Fruit Pathology

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Tree Fruit Pathology Program at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) is seeking a Research Project Manager to join a collaborative research team. The candidate will help oversee and advise on multiple externally funded research projects related to fire blight, apple tree decline, and fruit rot diseases, as well as will be the primary manager of day-to-day activities in the lab, 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 work-flow procedures to prioritize and delegate research tasks.

• Manage and organize collection of data related to all research projects; assist with data analysis and compilation of results.

• Lead, coordinate, and evaluate milestones of each project, including scholarly and Extension products, to completion.

• Prepare regular reports of each project's activities reflecting achievements and/or barriers.

• Coordinate manuscript submission procedures by working collaboratively with PI and project collaborators; represent the program's research interests at institutional workshops, meetings, and Extension events.

• Interact and coordinate joint research activities with collaborators at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, USDA-APHIS, USDA-ARS, and other universities.

• Facilitate each project's 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 maintaining oversight of APHIS regulatory permits.

• Work with PI on hiring, onboarding, and mentoring part-time wage staff.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have previous work-related experience in plant pathology, microbiology, or biology.

• Have knowledge of tree fruit production.

• Have effective knowledge of standard microbiological and molecular laboratory techniques and statistics. Knowledge of bioinformatics is preferred but not required.

• Possess a Pennsylvania Certified Applicator's License, Category 18, or acquire it within the first 3 months of employment.

• 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 in statistical software, Photoshop, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office tools, other software.

• Have experience designing, coordinating, and managing research inquiries.

• Have experience writing and preparing scholarly manuscripts.

• Be organized, responsive, attentive to detail, and possess a professional demeanor.

• Be able to communicate diplomatically and adapt to shifting priorities.

• Be goal-oriented and able to work independently.

• Possess excellent research integrity and work ethic.

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

Education and Experience:

This position will be filled at the Professional or Intermediate Professional level depending on the candidate's education and experience. The Professional level requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience are required for higher-level positions. 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: A Master's Degree or higher plus 1 year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a science-related field (plant pathology, microbiology, or biology).

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

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, applicants must include a cover letter, an updated resume with references to published work, and a list of three references with their application.

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:

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

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