Mushroom Research Center Research Coordinator

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Mushroom Research Center at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Research Coordinator to design, plan, and oversee daily mushroom cultivation operations and assist in research activities. You will coordinate growing room usage, crop timelines, and complex projects while serving as the main contact for faculty leadership, sponsors, and partners.

Responsibilities include maintaining supplies, coordinating room usage, directing cultivation processes, and ensuring facilities and equipment

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of mushroom cultivation and substrate preparation for Agaricus button mushrooms.
• Strong organizational and communication skills (oral and written).
• Exemplary interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate agricultural and facility equipment.
• Familiarity with building systems and willingness to coordinate maintenance needs.
• Basic computer skills and experience with cultivation or environmental control software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mushroom cultivation activities: crop setup, maintenance, monitoring.
• Support composting operations with basic knowledge of compost prep and management.
• Organize and maintain inventory; coordinate purchasing for uninterrupted activities.
• Communicate with researchers to schedule growing room usage and crop timelines.
• Operate and maintain equipment (forklifts, skid-steers) safely.
• Assist with facility management and coordinate repairs with OPP staff.
• Utilize software systems to monitor and manage mushroom growth parameters.

Skills

Mushroom cultivation

Substrate preparation

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team player

Driver's license

Equipment operation

Building systems familiarity

Cultivation software

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology is seeking a Research Coordinator to design, plan, and oversee the daily operations of mushroom cultivation at the Mushroom Research Center. The successful candidate will assist and facilitate research activities, communicating effectively with researchers to schedule growing room usage and coordinate crop timelines. This position provides assistance with planning, execution, and administration of complex research projects, including experimental design, data management and analysis, compliance, timelines, and financial management, while serving as the primary point of contact for faculty leadership, sponsors, and institutional partners, to ensure long-term sustainability of research programs. Position Summary: The Mushroom Research Center Research Coordinator oversees the daily operations of mushroom cultivation and assists in research activities. This position is responsible for maintaining supplies, coordinating the use of the growing rooms, directing cultivation processes, and ensuring that facilities and equipment are functioning effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee mushroom cultivation activities, including crop setup, maintenance, and monitoring using established procedures.
• Support composting operations with a basic understanding of compost preparation and management.
• Organize and maintain inventory of supplies; coordinate purchasing to ensure uninterrupted research and production activities.
• Communicate effectively with researchers to schedule growing room usage and coordinate crop timelines.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as forklifts, skid‑steers, and dumpster trucks in a safe and efficient manner.
• Assist with basic facility management, including identifying issues and coordinating with Office of Physical Plant (OPP) staff for repairs to heating and cooling systems.
• Utilize and support software systems used to monitor and manage mushroom growth parameters.

Work Environment

This position involves working in indoor growing rooms, composting areas, and research facilities. Duties may include physical labor and operating machinery.

Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of mushroom cultivation and substrate preparation processes, primarily for Agaricus button mushrooms but other mushroom species or mycelium products.

Possess strong organizational and communication skills (both oral and written).

Exemplary interpersonal skills.

Meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.

Able to work independently as well as be part of a team.

Valid driver's license and ability to operate agricultural and facility equipment.

Familiarity with building systems and willingness to coordinate maintenance needs.

Basic computer skills and experience with cultivation or environmental control software preferred.

Preferred Attributes

• Be computer literate, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Willingness to support a dynamic research environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research Project Manager - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as Research Project Manager - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background checks 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 $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.

• 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.

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 university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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