Part-Time Laboratory Technician

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University offers a part-time Undergraduate Laboratory Technician position in the Hockett Lab, focusing on plant-microbe interactions. The role supports routine lab duties, sample processing, data entry, and greenhouse work within a collaborative research environment at University Park.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, reliable, able to follow protocols, and able to work independently or as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Interest in microbiology, plant pathology, ecology, or related disciplines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow laboratory protocols.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate biological waste and prepare microbiological media and reagents.
• Wash laboratory glassware and equipment; clean greenhouse pots and soil.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and assist with general lab organization.
• Support graduate students, postdocs, and technicians with ongoing projects.
• Assist with sample processing, basic microbiological techniques, data entry, and greenhouse work.

Skills

Microbiology interest

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Routine maintenance

Lifting/moving materials

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology seeks a part-time Undergraduate Laboratory Technician to support research activities in the Hockett Laboratory. The Hockett Lab studies plant-associated microbial communities and their roles in disease suppression, plant health, and sustainable agriculture.

The individual will assist with routine laboratory maintenance and organization, including decontaminating biological waste, preparing microbiological media and reagents, washing laboratory glassware and equipment, cleaning greenhouse pots and soil, maintaining laboratory supplies, and helping to ensure a safe and efficient research environment. In addition, the technician will support graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research technicians with ongoing research projects investigating disease-suppressive microbial communities associated with plants. Research assistance may include sample processing, basic microbiological techniques, data entry, greenhouse work, and other laboratory tasks, as needed.

The successful candidate must possess the technical aptitude and organizational skills required for maintaining a productive laboratory environment. Applicants should be detail-oriented, reliable, able to follow protocols carefully, and capable of working both independently and as part of a research team. Prior laboratory experience is beneficial but not required, as training will be provided.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and agricultural research while contributing to projects aimed at understanding and harnessing beneficial microbial communities to improve plant health.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in microbiology, plant pathology, ecology, or related disciplines
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow laboratory protocols
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to lift and move laboratory and greenhouse materials as needed
• Willingness to perform routine laboratory maintenance tasks

Hours:

Flexible, part-time (typically ~6-10 hours per week during the academic year, depending on availability and laboratory needs).

Location:

Hockett Lab, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park.

Background Checks/Clearances

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 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.