APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . 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. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) 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 (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Burghardt Lab in the Plant Science Department at The Pennsylvania State University (https://psu.edu) seeks a Research Technologist to develop and manage research projects, perform lab management tasks, ensure safety compliance, mentor students, and author or co-author published documents. The Burghardt lab focuses on understanding legume-rhizobia-climate interactions in natural and managed landscapes (see http://lianaburghardtlab.com for additional information). In particular, the technician will lead greenhouse and field experiments for funded NIFA and NSF grants. Position responsibilities include:

• Independently conducting and coordinating laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based experiments with plants and microbes,

• Data management and stewardship of complex phenotypic and sequencing data and sample collections, ensuring lab safety compliance and performing lab management tasks, including purchasing,

• Training and supervising other lab members on technical skills,

• Undertaking methods development for creative, high-risk projects measuring plant-microbe interactions, and

• Participating in lab extension and outreach efforts.

The technologist will have opportunities to participate in data analysis, the production of publications (co-authorship), and other professional development activities.

This is a full-time, limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding, based at the University Park campus of the Pennsylvania State University in Central PA. Reappointment is available for additional years, conditional on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. The Burghardt Lab is located at the Penn State University Park Campus in Central Pennsylvania, a walkable/bikeable community in the Allegheny Mountains. It includes a salary (commensurate with experience) and a competitive benefits package. The ideal start date is spring or summer 2024.

Education and Experience:

This position requires a B.A. in biology, microbiology, plant science, ecology and evolution, genetics, or a related field, plus three or more years of related experience. Research experience can be obtained concurrently with degrees. Candidates with an MS or Ph.D. are encouraged to apply.

Valued traits include independence, creativity, collaboration, meticulousness, persistence, problem-solving, working with diverse teams, and prioritizing tasks effectively. Desired (but not required) technical skills include experience with lab/field experiments with plants and microbes, molecular biology and microscopy techniques, DNA extractions, sterile technique, physiological and functional assays of microbes/plants, experience with data, lab management, and collaborative software, building sequencing pipelines, data analysis and visualization (e.g., R and Inkscape), and scientific writing and presentations.

Application Instructions: Please formally apply online via https://hr.psu.edu/careers . When prompted to upload a CV, please submit a single merged .pdf that includes a CV/Resume and a cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position, scientific/career interests, and ideal start date. Applications must have a cover letter to be reviewed. Please name the merged file “YourLastNameTech2024BurghardtLab.pdf”. For more information, contact Liana Burghardt (liana.burghardt@psu.edu).

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.

The Burghardt Lab values diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$42,100.00 - $61,000.00

Salary Structure (https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/compensation/comp-modernization) - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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 (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labor-Law-Poster.pdf)

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr11)

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information (https://www.psu.edu/copyright-information)

Hotlines

University Park, PA