Fruit Research Assistant — Field & Lab Quality Analysis

Penn State University; Center (IN); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville, PA is hiring part-time research assistants for the 2026 harvest season (May–August, up to 16 weeks). Positions are 40 hours per week and may require driving, with a valid U.S.

driver’s license and a vehicle-record check in addition to standard background checks. Responsibilities include collecting field and lab data, purchasing and organizing supplies, setting up instruments, managing samples, grading fruit quality,

Responsibilities

• Collect field and laboratory data related to fruit research.
• Purchase and organize laboratory and field supplies.
• Set up and maintain laboratory instruments.
• Collect, catalog, and manage research samples.
• Evaluate and grade fruit for quality.
• Conduct fruit quality analyses at harvest and during storage.
• Enter and organize data using standard software.

Job description

Penn State University’s Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville, PA is hiring part-time research assistants for the 2026 harvest season (May–August, up to 16 weeks). Positions are 40 hours per week and may require driving, with a valid U.S.

driver’s license and a vehicle-record check in addition to standard background checks. Responsibilities include collecting field and lab data, purchasing and organizing supplies, setting up instruments, managing samples, grading fruit quality,