Part-Time Research Assistant- Fruit Research and Extension Center

About the role

The College of Agricultural Sciences, Fruit Research and Extension Center located in Biglerville, PA seeks to hire numerous individuals to fill part-time positions. Positions are 40 hours per week positions, beginning May 2026 through August 2026 (maximum 16 weeks).

Responsibilities

• Collecting research samples
• Data entry
• Cataloging samples
• Field and laboratory data collection with ground robotic systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Data processing and analysis
• Evaluating and grading fruit
• Conducting fruit quality analyses at harvest and during storage
• Purchasing and organizing laboratory and field supplies
• Setting up and maintaining laboratory instruments
• Collecting, cataloging, and managing research samples
• Assisting with a variety of research tasks, including but not limited to:

- Collecting field and laboratory data

- Purchasing and organizing laboratory and field supplies

- Setting up and maintaining laboratory instruments

- Collecting, cataloging, and managing research samples

- Evaluating and grading fruit

- Conducting fruit quality analyses at harvest and during storage

- Entering and organizing data using standard software

Requirements

• A valid US driver’s license
• Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check
• Most positions will require most of the work to be performed outdoors in Biglerville, PA and surrounding areas

Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory and field data collection
• Knowledge of data processing and analysis techniques
• Ability to work both outdoors and indoors
• Experience with fruit and plant pathology
• Understanding of agricultural machinery and robotics

Skills

• Data entry and processing skills
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of agricultural practices and technologies

Benefits

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Pay

Details on pay will be provided upon hiring.

Schedule

Positions are 40 hours per week positions, beginning May 2026 through August 2026 (maximum 16 weeks).

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