Research Technologist - Cell and Biological System

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Research Technologist to design and conduct laboratory experiments across life science disciplines, including neuroscience, physiology, and genomics. The role involves ensuring protocol adherence, data collection, and reporting results to support NIH-funded studies.

Responsibilities include animal colony maintenance, genotyping, tissue processing, and analysis, with opportunities to contribute to manuscript preparation and project planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; no prior experience necessary.
• Preferred biology/biomedical laboratory experience.
• Strong data management and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research projects and experiments in life sciences.
• Maintain animal colony and genotyping tasks.
• Record, analyze, and summarize data; prepare figures.
• Train users and coordinate lab logistics.
• Prepare papers and reports to disseminate findings.

Skills

Animal handling

Data management

Imaging techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Research Technologist - Life Sciences develops, designs and conducts research projects/experiments in the laboratory/field related to Life Science disciplines including neuroscience, plant science, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology and equipment; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on results; identifies data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; and oversees daily operations of project.

Conduct research projects or experiments related to life science areas of study; ensure protocol adherence; review progress and evaluate results

Perform a variety of experimental tasks including assays, material tests, specimen evaluation, and cultures

Execute and develop data collection procedures; record, correlate, and analyze data; prepare analysis summaries

Contribute to the design of research methods; identify potential problems; recommend solutions and technical approaches for problem solving

Make recommendations for the use of data collection, management, and visualization software

Train users in equipment operation and research techniques; explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, limitations, and outcomes

Develop project protocols; provide input in determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects

Author papers, proposals, presentations and reports in order to disseminate findings to the larger research community

May be responsible for operation of a specialized research area or laboratory

May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Required Certifications:
None

The laboratory is seeking a full-time Research Technologist to support NIH-funded studies in vascular biology, blood-brain barrier function, and inflammation. Responsibilities include animal colony maintenance, breeding management, genotyping, animal treatments and monitoring, blood and tissue sample collection and processing, tissue dissection and staining, laboratory assays, western blotting, immunostaining, imaging, data collection, record keeping, basic data analysis, and figure preparation. The position will also support animal protocol documentation, laboratory organization, equipment coordination, and supply management.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Prior experience in a biology, biomedical research, or laboratory setting is preferred. Experience with animal handling, laboratory documentation, tissue dissection and processing, molecular and cellular biology techniques, imaging techniques, and data management is strongly preferred. The candidate should have basic problem-solving skills and be willing and able to learn animal procedures, sample processing, and data collection under supervision.

The ideal candidate should be reliable, detail-oriented, well organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

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 $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.

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