Part-Time Research Project Assistant - Agroforestry and Dryland Systems

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a Research Project Assistant to support literature reviews, data organization, and manuscript preparation for a book project on dryland agroforestry and international development.

The role involves organizing sources, developing tables and figures, coordinating with collaborators, and ensuring accuracy and proper use of AI tools with source verification. Bachelor’s degrees in related fields are required.

Qualifications

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

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

Literature review

Research skills

Academic writing

Editing

Organizational skills

Communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry

Bachelor’s degree in agroforestry

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science

Bachelor’s degree in geography

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture

Bachelor’s degree in international development

Tools

Zotero

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Research Project Assistant will support research on traditional dryland agroforestry systems, sustainable land use, and related international development topics. The position will primarily assist with a book project and associated case studies, manuscripts, presentations, and research proposals.

• 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.

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

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree or relevant research experience.
• Knowledge of agroforestry, drylands, land-use systems, or international development.
• Experience with Zotero or comparable reference-management software.

Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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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