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Administrative Assistant for Research Initiatives and AES

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Sep 12, 2025
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office for Research and Graduate Education (RGE)in the College of Agricultural Sciencesis seeking a motivated and detail-orientedAdministrative Assistant for Research Initiatives and Agricultural Experiment Stationto join our dynamic team.

This role will support innovative college-led research initiatives and play a key part in the operations of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station (AES). The successful candidate will be part of a supportive, mission-driven team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Their contributions will directly support collaborative research initiatives that address real-world challenges in agriculture, food systems, and environmental sustainability.

The individual in this role will work closely with faculty initiative directors and research development professionals to coordinate projects, manage logistics, and help bring collaborative research ideas to life. As a part of the AES staff, this position will also share responsibilities for the AES and will serve as primary contact for all competitive AES projects.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Supporting research initiatives in coordinating and scheduling meetings and special events (ex. research symposia, seminars, outreach booths) and preparing materials for these activities.

  • Coordinating the screening, assembling, and formatting of materials submitted for the establishment of local, state, or nationally focused research projects under the AES.

  • Preparing correspondence and responses to inquiries regarding the AES and assisting with the life cycle of projects.

  • Maintaining pertinent databases, including performing data entry, tracking projects, and providing assistance with the development of reports.

  • Providing assistance and support for the development and production of print and digital publications to promote the college's research enterprise, including updating the college research website and assisting with the production of regular newsletters.

The successful candidate must be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented while having professional written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and a teachable spirit. The staff member must be able to work as both a member of a team as well as independently to support faculty directors of initiatives and research development personnel, able to answer questions and/or react appropriately to situations as they arise. This position requires the ability to follow established procedures and processes as well as being able to develop and enhance current and new processes.

Work Arrangements:

This position requires the successful candidate to work in person, on campus.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

Qualifications:

Experience and proficiency in SAP Concur, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint/OneDrive/Teams), and Zoom is required. The position will require the development of skills to become familiar with and the ability to train others in using the USDA National Reporting System (NRS) and the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS).

Preferred skills include familiarity with SIMBA, InfoReady, website content management software, and Filemaker.

Application Information:

Both a cover letter and resume must be submitted to be considered for this position.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.

The Pennsylvania State University 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.

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