Research Technologist - Animal Sciences - Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine / Medicine

Penn State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 34,800 - 55,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Hershey is seeking a Research Technologist to support active research programs in molecular biology and infectious disease. The role includes managing mouse colonies, performing genotyping, and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and demonstrate laboratory skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including tuition discounts for employees and their families.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated familiarity with basic laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow established protocols precisely.
• Experience handling laboratory animals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance and monitoring of experimental mouse colonies.
• Perform DNA extraction and PCR-based genotyping.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and media according to established protocols.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

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.

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Position Summary

The Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine seeks a Research Technologist to support active research programs in molecular biology, infectious disease, and translational disease models. This position will provide essential support for mouse colony management, genotyping workflows, and general laboratory operations that underpin externally funded research initiatives. Working under the supervision of faculty investigators and senior laboratory personnel, the Research Technologist will contribute to maintaining organized, compliant, and efficient research operations while generating reliable experimental data. This role is well suited for an early-career laboratory professional seeking to develop technical expertise within an academic research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Mouse Husbandry & Colony Support

• Assist with maintenance and monitoring of experimental and transgenic mouse colonies
• Support breeding setup and colony expansion under investigator guidance
• Perform ear or tail biopsies for genotyping in accordance with approved IACUC protocols
• Maintain accurate colony records and assist with database tracking
• Coordinate with animal facility staff to ensure compliance and proper animal care

Genotyping & Basic Laboratory Techniques

• Perform DNA extraction and PCR-based genotyping
• Conduct gel electrophoresis and document genotyping results
• Label, store, and track biological samples in compliance with institutional biosafety standards
• Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and electronic records

Laboratory Operations

• Prepare reagents, buffers, and media according to established protocols
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory workspaces
• Follow institutional safety, biosafety, and regulatory policies

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated familiarity with basic laboratory techniques
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to follow established protocols precisely
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team
• Experience handling laboratory animals or working in an animal research setting
• Experience performing PCR or other basic molecular biology techniques
• Familiarity with record‑keeping systems or colony management databases
• Prior experience in an academic or biomedical laboratory environment

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research Technologist – Animal 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 – Animal 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.

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.

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.