New

Pilot Plant Research Technologist

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Dec 20, 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 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a full-time Pilot Plant Research Technologist to manage the Wet and Dry pilot plants in the Food Science Building. The Pilot Plants support the teaching, research and service missions of the Food Science Department and are equipped with a range of sophisticated pilot-scale food processing equipment. The successful candidate will work with minimal supervision and be responsible for all aspects of pilot plant operation and maintenance, will support teaching, research and outreach activities in the pilot plants, and work with all users of the pilot plant to schedule and execute projects. The successful candidate will: Develop and implement systems to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices and develop standard operating procedures and ensure users are operating equipment safely. Manage Pilot Plant scheduling and maintain an updated calendar, coordinated with 25Live. Manage organization of the Pilot Plant storage areas, working with faculty and students to maintain order, cleanliness and proper material labeling. Supervise wage employees and students working in the Pilot Plants. Oversee daily operations, including equipment management, SOPs, maintenance and training. Supervise and verify cleanup procedures after Pilot Plant use, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards. Provide technical and instructional support for academic classes and graduate student projects conducted in the Pilot Plant. This can include supporting Instructors and TA's by ensuring all equipment and materials are available, operational and properly set up prior to class or project activities. Explain and demonstrate equipment capabilities to both internal and external users of the pilot plant and train users in equipment operation. Working both independently and collaboratively, develop new funding sources to support the pilot plant.Including meeting with potential clients, writing project proposals (ARSO, NDA), implementing the project, analyzing the data and effectively reporting the results to sponsors. Assist with planning and preparation for annual offerings of the Penn State Ice Cream Short, Course and Ice Cream 101 as well as other outreach activities that utilize the pilot plants. The work will take place under the supervision of Dr. Bob Roberts, Professor and Head of the Food Science Department. Required Qualifications: The candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organization and administrative skills; excellent attention to detail; ability to take direction but can work independently and identify problem areas to address without explicit direction from supervisor. Preferred Qualifications: A. bachelor's degree or higher in a field such as Food Science, Agricultural Engineering or a related field; prior experience in food-processing, experience in food product formulation, experience in operating and maintaining food processing equipment. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Research Technologist - Life Sciences - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Research Technologist - Life Sciences - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None 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 $34,800.00 - $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. 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