Research Project Assistant: Agroforestry & 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

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.