Lab Technician, Laboratory for Isotopes and Metals in the Environment (LIME)

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Part-Time lab technician for its Laboratory for Isotopes and Metals in the Environment (LIME) at the University Park campus. This role, requiring 16-24 hours per week, seeks candidates with experience in laboratory techniques, especially basic wet chemistry, and coursework in geochemistry.

The technician will be responsible for cleaning labware, weighing samples, and performing routine sample preparations while gaining valuable experience in EA-IRMS and GB-IRMS operations. Commitment to professionalism and safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory techniques, especially in basic wet chemistry.
• Experience in sample preparation for isotope analysis preferred but not required.
• Coursework training or experience in geochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning of labware.
• Weighing of samples and standards.
• Performing routine sample preparation using acidic reagents.
• Assisting with routine running and general maintenance of analytical instrumentation.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Basic wet chemistry

Sample preparation

Geochemistry coursework

Education

M.Sc. in a technical field including chemistry

Job description

Job Description And Position Requirements

Laboratory for Isotopes and Metals in the Environment (LIME) at Penn State University Park campus seeks to fill a Part‑Time (16‑24 hrs/week) lab technician position in the stable isotope IRMS facility.

The candidate must have experience or training in laboratory techniques, especially in basic wet chemistry. Experience in sample preparation for isotope analysis and some analytical experience is preferred, but not required. The preferred candidate will either have coursework training or experience in geochemistry. Candidates with a M.Sc. in a technical field that includes chemistry are encouraged to apply.

Tasks will include:

• Cleaning of labware
• Weighing of samples and standards
• Performing routine sample preparation using acidic reagents
• Using and preparing acid solutions
• Assisting with routine running and general maintenance of analytical instrumentation, and
• Completing other lab‑specific tasks as needed on a day‑to‑day basis.

The successful candidate will work in the LIME IRMS lab and will gain experience with EA‑IRMS and GB‑IRMS. The successful candidate will be part of a team and will bring professionalism, dependability, and safety consciousness to the job. The candidate will report to the LIME Executive Director.

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.

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

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.

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. 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.