Impact Research Assistant: Agroforestry & Dryland Systems

The Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Part-Time Research Project Assistant to support research on traditional dryland agroforestry systems, sustainable land use, and international development topics. The role focuses on literature reviews, case studies, and manuscript preparation, with opportunities to contribute to books, presentations, and proposals.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry or related fields, strong writing and organizational skills, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, agroforestry, environmental science, geography, agriculture, international development, or a related field.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to locate, evaluate, and synthesize scholarly literature.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or relevant research experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted literature searches and prepare concise research summaries.
• Organize and maintain references and PDFs using Zotero.
• Compile information for dryland agroforestry case studies from scholarly and credible institutional sources.
• Verify citations, factual claims, and bibliographic information.
• Develop tables, figures, timelines, maps, and other research materials.
• Organize interview notes, datasets, photographs, and case-study documentation.
• Assist with comparative analysis across case-study regions.
• Support preparation and editing of manuscripts, book chapters, presentations, reports, and proposals.
• Communicate with collaborators and help coordinate interviews and project activities.
• Maintain clear records of sources, completed work, and outstanding tasks.
• Use AI-assisted research tools appropriately and transparently, with all outputs checked against original sources.

Skills

Strong research skills

Writing and editing

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry/agroforestry/environmental science/geography/agriculture/international development

Master’s degree or relevant research experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Zotero

Job description

Penn State University is seeking a Part-Time Research Project Assistant to support research on traditional dryland agroforestry systems, sustainable land use, and international development topics. The role focuses on literature reviews, case studies, and manuscript preparation, with opportunities to contribute to books, presentations, and proposals.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry or related fields, strong writing and organizational skills, and proficiency with