WE ARE MINDFUL, ORIGINAL, & BOLD

Phospholutions, Inc. is an award-winning and venture-backed agtech start-up company enhancing global phosphorus use. Phospholutions is experiencing exponential growth with the recent launch of our proprietary RhizoSorb® technology helping reduce the environmental impact of fertilizers and helping growers achieve more from our crop inputs.

Headquartered in State College, PA, Phospholutions is growing our team to support our commercial and product expansion and further the development of our current and new technologies. As a result of our growth, we have an opportunity for two part-time Research and Development (R&D) Interns to join our State College team.

If you are self-motivated, organized, have an interest in soil nutrients and fertilizers and improving nutrient use efficiency and sustainability, we highly encourage you to apply for this position!

JOB OBJECTIVE

We value energy, passion, authenticity, creativity…and results! The individual hired for this part-time internship will work 10 to 15 hours per week. This intern will execute the day-to-day research tasks related to the greenhouse and laboratory experiments at Phospholutions. Immediate tasks include preparation of planting materials, samples, reagents, etc. for lab experiments and greenhouse trials and plant maintenance (pruning, harvesting, watering). This position requires a basic understanding of scientific methods, chemistry, and plant science. The R&D Intern will work alongside other Research Associates and Scientists; this individual will report directly to the Senior Research Associate. 

Among other responsibilities, this position will assist with data collection, recording observations, soil and tissue sampling, maintaining accurate records during and after experiments and trials (physically and digitally), and with the management of technology, materials, and supplies for the lab and greenhouse facilities. Daily, this role will measure volumetric water content per research protocols and report information appropriately. It will be necessary to prepare samples and chemical reagents for experiments, participate in quality control tests and laboratory maintenance and assist in planning and executing supervised lab experiments. The individual hired for this role must be able to maintain a high level of scientific integrity and laboratory safety. Other related duties may be assigned or requested.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/ABILITIES : The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate core competencies in the following areas:  

• Strong organizational, project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives with minimal direction

• Basic understanding of scientific methods and chemistry principles

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form 

  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS  

• Progress towards an undergraduate degree in Plant Science, Biology, Soil Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Agronomy or related field

• Basic understanding of greenhouse and laboratory research functions

• High comfort level with technology, software, spreadsheets (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is required

• Ability and willingness to work 10 hours per week (at least 2 hours per day, up to 8 depending on available work) in the lab/greenhouse for a minimum of 12 to 15 weeks (internship can be extended if candidate and Company are interested)

• Occasional weekend work may be required

• If hired, must adhere to all company policies and procedures, safety requirements, and other prescribed best practices/industry standards

   

  DESIRED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experience with statistics and graphing software is a plus

• Laboratory or greenhouse experience is a plus

  PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift 30 to 50 lbs (occasionally)

• (in)Frequent sitting, standing, moving forward/back/side-to-side, and working around laboratory and greenhouse equipment is required; where exposure to electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, sealants, solvents, and other compounds is possible

• Appropriate PPE is required while performing certain functions and will be provided by the Company

  TO APPLY:  

  Tell us why you are interested in this position in the cover letter section of this posting. Include your resume, answer a few questions, then click submit. It’s that easy to apply right now! 

• We will be hiring two interns for this IMMEDIATE opportunity paying $10 to $13 per hour depending on experience. 

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This company does not sponsor applicants for work visas. 

• The Company reserves the right to alter, change, modify and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice, or obligation. No recruiters, please; principal applicants only. 

    * * *

  Phospholutions, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to  jboney@phospholutions.com  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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