Research Assistant: Agroforestry & Dryland Systems

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Research Project Assistant to support research on dryland agroforestry systems, sustainable land use, and related development topics. You will help with a book project, case studies, manuscripts, and proposals, conducting literature searches, organizing references, and preparing visuals.

The role emphasizes independence, strong writing and editing skills, careful citation practices, and effective collaboration with project partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, agroforestry, environmental science, geography, agriculture, international development, or related field.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to locate, evaluate, and synthesize scholarly literature.
• Careful attention to accuracy, citations, and detail.

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 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 outputs checked against original sources.

Skills

Research skills

Writing

Editing

Organizational skills

Literature evaluation

Communication skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Zotero

Reference-management software

Job description

Penn State University is seeking a Research Project Assistant to support research on dryland agroforestry systems, sustainable land use, and related development topics. You will help with a book project, case studies, manuscripts, and proposals, conducting literature searches, organizing references, and preparing visuals.

The role emphasizes independence, strong writing and editing skills, careful citation practices, and effective collaboration with project partners.