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- 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 SPECIFICS
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and the Department of Animal Science at The Pennsylvania State University are seeking a highly organized and motivated individual for a Research Technologist / Project and Outreach Coordinator position. This professional staff position will support the research programs of Dr. Estelle Couradeau and Dr. Erika Ganda (50/50 split) by providing laboratory, project management, and outreach coordination support across multiple research projects. The position integrates laboratory operations, technical research support, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and science communication activities.
The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring the efficient operation of two research laboratories while helping coordinate project activities, outreach initiatives, and communication efforts. This position offers opportunities to develop expertise in laboratory management, microbiology and molecular biology research, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, science communication, and data management.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Manage laboratory purchasing, budget tracking, and supply ordering; maintain accurate records of expenditures and assist with financial documentation.
Support laboratory experiments and technical activities, including molecular and microbiological procedures such as DNA extraction, sample processing, and maintenance of laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
Maintain laboratory organization, inventory systems, laboratory safety records, equipment, and shared resources to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
Coordinate project activities, including scheduling meetings, tracking milestones and deliverables, maintaining project documentation, and facilitating communication among project participants.
Organize and support outreach and engagement activities with schools, community partners, collaborators, and research participants; assist with educational programming, curriculum development, and dissemination of project materials.
Support data management, data processing, and basic data analysis activities; assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, educational materials, and communication products.
Coordinate science communication activities, including multimedia content, public engagement events, podcasts, exhibits, and other outreach initiatives.
Maintain effective communication with laboratory personnel, project collaborators, external partners, and university staff to ensure projects remain on schedule and laboratory needs are met.
Required Qualifications
Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common data management tools.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, soil science, ecosystem science, environmental science, animal science, or related disciplines.
Experience with laboratory operations, inventory management, and laboratory safety practices.
Experience with project coordination, stakeholder engagement, education, outreach, or science communication.
Experience with data analysis software such as R and familiarity with GitHub or other collaborative data platforms.
Experience working with educational partners, agricultural stakeholders, community organizations, or research participants.
The position is expected to support long-term research and outreach activities across multiple projects and funding sources.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None
Additional Information
Contact Dr. Couradeau ([email protected]) and Dr. Ganda ([email protected] ) for further questions. Applications will be reviewed immediately and are accepted until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn 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 STATISTICS
Pursuant 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 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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Skills Required
- Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common data management tools
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Bachelor's degree (or prior relevant work experience in lieu of degree)
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check
- Successful completion of background checks
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (employer does not sponsor staff visas)
- Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, soil/ecosystem/ environmental/animal science
- Experience with laboratory operations, inventory management, and laboratory safety practices
- Experience with project coordination, stakeholder engagement, education, outreach, or science communication
- Experience with data analysis software such as R and familiarity with GitHub or other collaborative data platforms
- Experience working with educational partners, agricultural stakeholders, community organizations, or research participants
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
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What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
