Penn State University’s Department of Plant Science — Vegetable Crop Science Lab within the College of Agricultural Sciences — is now inviting applications for part-time research support positions. This hands-on opportunity involves assisting in field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments on vegetables and other horticultural crops, managing research plots, collecting plant and soil samples, performing biometric assessments, and contributing to cutting-edge vegetable crop science research at one of America’s most respected land-grant universities.
About Penn State — Vegetable Crop Science Lab
Institution: Pennsylvania State University — one of the USA’s leading land-grant research universities
Department: Plant Science, College of Agricultural Sciences — nationally recognized for agricultural research
Research Focus: Vegetable crop science, horticultural crops, field and greenhouse experiments
Work Environment: Field plots, greenhouse facilities, and fully equipped plant science laboratories
Commitment: Equal opportunity employer advancing equity, respect, and belonging for all
Research Impact & Career Opportunity
Strategic Location: Penn State University Park — home to world-class agricultural science infrastructure
Research Leadership: Work directly alongside a principal investigator and graduate students on active research projects
Hands-On Science: Gain real-world experience in field trials, greenhouse management, and plant biometrics
Career Foundation: Ideal stepping stone for careers in agricultural research, horticulture, or plant science
Position Overview
The Vegetable Lab Research Support position at Penn State’s Department of Plant Science offers a meaningful, hands-on role within the Vegetable Crop Science Lab. The successful candidate will assist the principal investigator and graduate students in designing and establishing experiments across field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings. From managing living research plots to collecting critical plant and soil samples, this part-time role is perfect for anyone passionate about horticultural science, vegetable research, and advancing agricultural knowledge at a prestigious American university.
Why This Role Matters: As a Research Support team member at Penn State’s Vegetable Crop Science Lab, you contribute to real scientific research on vegetable and horticultural crops, gain hands-on experience in field and greenhouse research methods, assist a principal investigator with data collection and biometric analysis, build a strong foundation for a future in plant science, horticulture, or agricultural research, and be part of a university committed to equity, inclusion, and scientific excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Field, Greenhouse & Laboratory Experiments
- Assist the principal investigator and graduate students in establishing field experiments on vegetables and horticultural crops
- Support setup and maintenance of greenhouse research experiments across multiple crop varieties
- Help design and launch laboratory-based experiments under the direction of lead researchers
- Ensure research environments — field plots, greenhouse beds, and lab stations — are properly prepared and maintained
Crop & Research Plot Management
- Manage vegetable crops and dedicated research plots throughout growing seasons
- Monitor plant health, growth stages, and environmental conditions across assigned plots
- Apply proper agronomic practices to ensure healthy, consistent crop development for research integrity
- Coordinate day-to-day plot activities to support ongoing research timelines and objectives
Sample Collection & Processing
- Collect plant and soil samples from field plots and greenhouse experiments at specified intervals
- Process collected samples according to established laboratory protocols and research standards
- Maintain proper labeling, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures for all biological and soil materials
- Prepare samples for downstream analysis in support of research deliverables
Biometric Assessments & Data Collection
- Perform biometric assessments on vegetable and horticultural crops including plant height, leaf area, and yield measurements
- Collect accurate, consistent data across field trials, greenhouse studies, and laboratory experiments
- Record and organize collected data using established data management systems and spreadsheets
- Assist in preliminary data review to support the principal investigator’s research analysis
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Education requirements vary depending on specific job duties assigned to the position
- Background in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, Biology, or related field is advantageous
- Current Penn State students and external applicants are both encouraged to apply
Background Check & Licensing Requirements
- Successful completion of required background checks in accordance with Penn State University policies
- Valid driver’s license required — this position involves operating a motor vehicle as part of job duties
- Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check in addition to standard background checks
Essential Skills
- Ability to work outdoors in field settings and within greenhouse and laboratory environments
- Attention to detail for accurate sample collection, data recording, and biometric measurement
- Capacity to follow research protocols and work collaboratively with principal investigators and students
- Physical ability to manage crops, handle soil and plant samples, and work across active research plots
How to Apply — Important Instructions
Current Penn State Employee (faculty, staff, technical, student): Log in to Workday and complete the internal application process. Do not apply externally.
Current Penn State Student (not previously employed): Log in to Workday and complete the student application process. Do not apply externally.
External Applicants (not a current Penn State employee or student): Click “Apply” and complete the external application process on the Penn State HR portal.
Note: Remote or hybrid work approval is not guaranteed. See Penn State’s Out-of-State Applicant Notice for additional guidance.
About Penn State — College of Agricultural Sciences
Pennsylvania State University is one of America’s leading land-grant research universities, with a long and distinguished history in agricultural sciences, plant biology, and horticultural research. The College of Agricultural Sciences is home to nationally recognized faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a strong commitment to advancing food systems, crop science, and environmental sustainability. Penn State is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to advancing equity, respect, and belonging for all members of its community.
Research Excellence: Join a team where your work directly contributes to advancing vegetable science and sustainable agricultural practices across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Who Should Apply?
- Plant Science Students: Seeking hands-on research experience in vegetable crop science at Penn State
- Horticulture Graduates: Looking to build practical field and greenhouse research skills
- Agricultural Science Professionals: With background in crop management, field trials, or lab research
- Biology Graduates: Interested in plant-based research, biometric data collection, and soil science
- Research Assistants: With experience supporting principal investigators in academic or scientific settings
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