Research Technologist - Heart & Vascular Institute

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 40,608 - 58,836; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Heart and Vascular Institute in Hershey, PA seeks a Research Technologist to study arrhythmia and heart failure in congenital heart disease using multidisciplinary imaging and electrophysiology.

The role involves building expertise with animal models, human subject data, and advanced cell culture techniques; on-campus position with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for training and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 1+ years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Experience in multidisciplinary cardiovascular research is preferred.
• Strong record-keeping and meticulous data management.

Responsibilities

• Perform small animal echocardiography, murine surgical implantation of radiotelemetry devices, transaortic constriction, ECG data monitoring, and catecholaminergic stress testing.
• Manage multi-center submission of human subjects data and biologic specimens; Lab management (ordering, record keeping).
• Prepare human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and perform contraction analyses, patch clamping, and related studies.
• Prepare cDNA clones, transfection solutions, and process samples for PCR and Western blot assays; maintain cell lines.
• Oversee animal lines including transgenic mice colonies; analyze data from assays.
• Provide training to lab staff to ensure proper execution of duties.

Skills

Small animal echocardiography

Transaortic constriction setup

qPCR

Western blot

Patch clamp

Cell culture

Data analysis and plotting

Lab supervision/training

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

qPCR

Western blot

Patch clamp

Job description

Position Specifics

Title: Research Technologist – Life Sciences

Department: Heart and Vascular Institute

FLSA: Staff

Level: Intermediate Professional

Summary of Job

The Penn State College of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute located in Hershey, PA is seeking a research technologist. This position is immediately available in Dr. Elisa Bradley’s laboratory to study the impact of arrhythmia and heart failure in congenital heart disease. Our laboratory uses multidisciplinary approaches to study the structural and electrical components of cardiovascular function in adults surviving congenital heart disease. Our research spans from human to animal, employing novel imaging and electrophysiologic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform small animal echocardiography, murine surgical implantation of radiotelemetry devices, transaortic constriction, monitoring of electrocardiographic data, and catecholaminergic stress testing.
• Manage multi‑center submission of human subjects data and biologic specimens. Lab management (ordering, meticulous record keeping, attention to detail). Assist the postdoctoral and predoctoral teams with projects where needed (qPCR, western blot, other basic lab techniques).
• Prepare human iPSC‑derived cardiomyocytes and perform contraction analyses at rest and in response to medication studies, along with patch clamping techniques and studies.
• Prepare cDNA clones for transfection, prepare dissection and dissociation solutions, process DNA and protein samples for PCR and Western blotting assays. Maintain cell line cultures for transfection. Transfect cell lines, perform pharmacological assays of transfected cell lines with the microplate reader, perform Western blotting assays and quantitative RT‑PCR assays.
• Independently monitor and carry out oversight of animal lines including transgenic mice colony maintenance, employing gel electrophoresis and PCR techniques, preparing solutions and other routine lab duties. Analyze and plot data obtained from the assays performed.
• Provide training of other lab staff to ensure that duties above are properly and aptly executed.

This position is on campus in Hershey, PA.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $40,608.00 – $58,836.00.

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.

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.