Part-Time Research Assistant- Fruit Research and Extension Center

POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of Agricultural Sciences, Fruit Research and Extension Center located in Biglerville, PA seeks to hire numerous individuals to fill part‑time positions. The positions are 40 hours per week, beginning May 2026 through August 2026 (maximum 16 weeks).

Some positions require operating a motor vehicle as part of your job duties. A valid U.S. driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check may be required in addition to standard background checks.

Duties will be determined based on the specific position the candidate is chosen for and could include tasks related to but not limited to collecting research samples, data entry, and cataloging samples. Most positions will require most of the work to be performed outdoors in Biglerville, PA and surrounding areas. Applications will be received on an ongoing basis. Applying to this posting will result in your application being considered for all departments;

we welcome you to provide your area of interest.

Hiring departments include:
Ag‑Bio Engineering, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences.

• Collecting field and laboratory data
• Purchasing and organizing laboratory and field supplies
• Setting up and maintaining laboratory instruments
• Collecting, cataloging, and managing research samples
• Evaluating and grading fruit
• Conducting fruit quality analyses at harvest and during storage
• Entering and organizing data using standard software

The work will be conducted both outdoors and indoors at orchards and research laboratories. A substantial portion of the work will involve outdoor field activities in varying weather conditions.

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action 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.