Soil Health & Nutrient Lab Intern (Undergrad Research)

Penn State; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State's Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Laboratory seeks an undergraduate intern to assist with field and laboratory research on nutrient cycling, fertilizer and manure management, and water quality dynamics in agroecosystems.

The role offers hands-on experience from field sampling to laboratory analysis, with mentorship in data analysis, scientific writing, and presenting findings. Start date Fall Semester 2026; 10–15 hours/week; $16/hour; ASI Building with local field travel.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled Penn State undergraduate student in Environmental Resource Management (ERM), Agroecology, Plant Science, Animal Science, or related field.
• Preferred coursework in soil science, agronomy, or environmental sciences.

Responsibilities

• Field Sampling: assist in collecting soil, biomass, and runoff/water samples at Rock Springs farm.
• Laboratory Analysis: process and analyze soil, plant, and water samples using laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Data Management & Research Growth: assist with data organization, learn statistics, and explore co-authoring extension articles or presenting findings.

Skills

Field sampling

Lab analysis

Data management

Education

Undergraduate student in ERM/Agroecology/Plant Science

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

Penn State's Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Laboratory seeks an undergraduate intern to assist with field and laboratory research on nutrient cycling, fertilizer and manure management, and water quality dynamics in agroecosystems.

The role offers hands-on experience from field sampling to laboratory analysis, with mentorship in data analysis, scientific writing, and presenting findings. Start date Fall Semester 2026; 10–15 hours/week; $16/hour; ASI Building with local field travel.