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　　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.

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　　JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

　　Position Overview:The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at The Pennsylvania State University (https://psu.edu) invites applications for a Research Project Coordinator position. The successful candidate will work in the Pecchia Lab under the direction of Drs. Pecchia and Kantor. LaFrance is a viral disease found on commercial Agaricus bisporus farms that can cause devastating crop losses during disease outbreaks. The project focuses on developing new molecular and enzymatic virus detection and quantification assays as well as investigating the effects of infection timing and pathogen levels on mushroom yield and symptom development.

　　Key Responsibilities: The successful candidate will:

　　Develop and refine molecular and enzymatic virus detection and quantification assays.

　　Investigate the impact of infection timing and pathogen levels on mushroom yield and symptom development.

　　Administer the lab budget associated with the project.

　　Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students within the lab.

　　Collaborate with commercial farms to collect data and apply research.

　　Present research findings in scientific manuscripts, grower journals, and at national/international scientific conferences.

　　Engage in professional development opportunities in areas like teaching, grant writing, and extension.

　　This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with good possibility of refunding.

　　Qualifications:

　　This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s degree preferred) in plant pathology, microbiology, or a closely related field plus 10 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

　　Significant experience in the use and development of molecular detection methods for plant pathogens.

　　Willingness to work at Penn State University’s state-of-the-art Mushroom Research Center (MRC).

　　Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

　　Valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties. 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 clearances.

　　Clearances:

　　PA State Police Criminal Background Check

　　PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form

　　Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

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　　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.

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