Food Mycology Research Assistant

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• 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 location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Wee Lab in the Department of Food Science, Penn State – University Park is looking for undergraduate researchers in food mycology beginning as soon as able. Projects in our laboratory center around fungal biology and mycology within the context of food and biomaterials. 

Responsibilities and Expectations: Undergraduate research assistants in our team typically commit 8-10 hours/week during the Spring/Fall and 30-40 hours/week during Summer. Employment is based on availability of funding and performance. Undergraduate research responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• General: Conduct organized research in the area of food microbiology focused on food-associated fungi; perform independent literature searches and prepare summaries of topics pertinent to ongoing and future research; prepare summaries of research projects conducted in the laboratory; conduct research under the direction of the PI leading to peer reviewed publication
• Research-based laboratory: perform analytical procedures and protocols as directed; collect and analyze data from ongoing research projects
  • Microbiology: Preparation of growth media, growth of fungi, spore stock preparation
  • Molecular biology: DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing
  • Basic microscopy
• Data management: maintain files (electronic) of protocols (assure students provide appropriately formatted and referenced protocols as they are developed) for the laboratory
• Laboratory safety and maintenance: conduct and comply with general laboratory safety and housekeeping; complete safety training and university requirements, general laboratory cleaning and maintenance such as glassware cleaning and autoclave use for sterilization and waste handling; maintain inventory and order research supplies and materials as needed
• Be able to work and function in a highly collaborative team; collaborate with postdoctoral associate, technicians, graduate, and/or senior undergraduate researcher  
• No animal or work in humans

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Self-motivation, strong leadership skills, and a high level of responsibility to complete tasks in a timely manner
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Background in microbiology and/or food microbiology preferred
• Undergraduates with previous research skills encouraged to apply 
• Ability to learn new research techniques as needed
• Flexibility in adjusting to new work-related requirements
• Maintain a grade of “B” or better in required coursework (CGPA: minimum 3.2)
• Strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Office, internet, and electronic media

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application in WorkDay. In your cover letter, please share your interest, why do you want to conduct research, and why are you a good fit for this position. 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines