Part-Time Laboratory Technician

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park seeks a part-time Undergraduate Laboratory Technician to support the Hockett Laboratory's research on plant-associated microbes and disease suppression. The role includes routine lab maintenance, media prep, waste decontamination, and assisting graduate students and researchers with ongoing projects.

Training will be provided; candidates should be detail-oriented, reliable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Must possess technical aptitude and organizational skills for productive lab environment.
• Detail-oriented, reliable, able to follow protocols, and capable of working independently and in a team.
• Prior lab experience is beneficial but training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and organize the laboratory; decontaminate biological waste and prepare media and reagents.
• Wash glassware and equipment; clean greenhouse pots and soil; keep supplies stocked.
• Support graduate students, postdocs, and staff with ongoing projects; assist with sample processing and data entry.
• Perform routine lab maintenance tasks and assist with general lab duties as needed.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Reliability

Teamwork

Following protocols

Education

Undergraduate student in relevant field

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

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.

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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