Part-Time Research Project Assistant Agroforestry and Dryland Systems
Job Location:
University Park, IL - USA
Hourly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
- 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 additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Research Project Assistant will support research on traditional dryland agroforestry systems sustainable land use and related international development topics. The position will primarily assist with a book project and associated case studies manuscripts presentations and research proposals.
Primary 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.
Required qualifications
- Bachelors 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.
Preferred qualifications
- Masters degree or relevant research experience.
- Knowledge of agroforestry drylands land-use systems or international development.
- Experience with Zotero or comparable reference-management software.
Applicants should submit a CV and a brief letter of interest (approximately one page) describing their interest in the position relevant research and writing experience applicable technical skills and availability.
The hourly rate starts at $28/hour depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated workload is approximately 20 hours per week and the position is expected to continue for approximately 912 months.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.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 .
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
Penn State is a major, public, research-I university serving Pennsylvania and the global community. Learn more about our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.
