Research Technologist

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a Research Technologist in the Department of Entomology to oversee multi-site trials evaluating monitoring and management of an invasive pest. You will coordinate external cooperators, guide pesticide applications, and ensure compliance with IPM programs and state regulations.

The role requires a valid driver’s license, pesticide applicator license, and strong data management skills, with opportunities to contribute to publications and stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 3+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Licensure as a pesticide applicator is required or highly preferred.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multi-site experiments testing pest management techniques.
• Coordinate data collection, management, and reporting with collaborators.
• Engage external stakeholders to coordinate sites and cooperators.
• Assist in writing papers, manuscripts, and outreach materials.

Skills

IPM expertise

Pesticide applicator

Data coordination

Stakeholder liaison

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.POSITION SPECIFICSThe Department of Entomology at Penn State seeks to hire a Research Technologist to oversee multi-site research experiments testing the efficacy of monitoring and management techniques for an invasive pest species. The successful candidate will be expected to engage with multiple external stakeholders (including growers, pesticide manufacturers, park managers, business, etc.) to identify sites at risk of experiencing the invasive pests where research experiments can be conducted; to elicit these stakeholders to become external cooperators upon whose properties experiments can be conducted; and to serve as the point of contact to coordinate research activities with these cooperators throughout the course of the research study at that site.The successful candidate will:Use experience with IPM and expertise as a licensed pesticide applicator to provide guidance to identify, select, and apply (or advise growers in their application of) pesticides being tested in research efficacy trials, and ensure their appropriateness with existing IPM programs and that they are used in compliance with Pennsylvania and other partnering states’ legal restrictions, and any industry restrictions.Help design, review, and revise procedures involved with execution of research experiments conducted by project collaborators (i.e., grant funded partner universities in neighboring states and USDA, industry specialists, etc.) to ensure standardization of all aspects of a study’s execution across all replicated sites.Serve a liaison with collaborators to oversee data collection, management, and reporting, and will trouble-shoot methods and findings to ensure project objectives are achieved.Contribute to writing papers, manuscripts, publications, and factsheets, and will present project findings to meetings of stakeholders and at other professional meetings.This position requires a driver's license and a Pennsylvania pesticide applicator license.Applicants with experience managing large field-based research projects, and with experience in conducting research and management on invasive pest species, particularly the spotted lanternfly, are especially welcome.Seeking candidates with Pesticide Applicator License, category 6 and 7, for ability to treat surrounding areas.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structurePenn 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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant 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 LAWPenn 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.Federal Contractors Labor Law PosterPA State Labor Law PosterPenn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlines