Research Technologist - Life Sciences Advanced Professional

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks two Research Technologists in Life Sciences to manage and conduct advanced research on host-microbe interactions. Candidates will design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate on notable publications in microbiome science. This role also involves training laboratory personnel and maintaining a professional lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, with at least three years of related experience.
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills necessary.
• Ability to work in a team environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement rigorous research in host-microbe symbioses.
• Manage laboratory trainees and oversee molecular biology tasks.
• Perform data analysis, statistics, and contribute to scientific publications.

Skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

+ CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday (https://www.myworkday.com/psu/d/inst/13102!CK5mGhIKBggDEMenAhIICgYI1A0Q1...$46522.htmld#backheader=true) to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...\_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . 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. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...) 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 (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application\_Process\_for\_External\_Applications\_Non-Penn\_State\_Employees\_.pdf) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Bordenstein Laboratory in Penn State University’s Departments of Biology (http://science.psu.edu/bio) and Entomology and One Health Microbiome Center seeks two Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in host-microbe symbioses and the microbiome sciences spanning insect endosymbionts, bacteriophages, and various animal-associated microbiomes. This position will heavily focus on the use of Drosophila transgenic expression, genetic editing techniques, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, fluorescent and electron microscopy, and team management to understand the genetics and mechanisms of how endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia) modify reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster.

The successful candidate will have priority tasks in the following areas:

+ Independent experimental design, implementation, analysis, time management, and reporting

+ Preparation and adherence to new scientific protocols, specimen evaluation, and biostatistics

+ Coauthorship of scientific papers, grants, presentations, and summary reports

+ Contribution to research methods, solutions, and technical approaches for problem solving

+ Data collection, data analysis, statistics, and visualizations

+ Management of trainees for molecular biology skills, biosafety measures, lab policies, equipment, proper record keeping, organismal maintenance, and performance review

+ Various experimental tasks, including but not limited to insect handling, tissue dissections, biological marker staining, fluorescent microscopy, microinjections, and genotyping and quantification of insect and symbiont cells using PCR and qPCR

+ Daily handling and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies at the scale of hundreds to thousands of insects per day

+ Troubleshooting of emergencies, day-to-day questions by lab members, and laboratory scheduling

+ Assistance of lab management and ongoing entomology, microbiology, molecular biology experiments, as assigned

+ Maintenance of a welcoming, safe, and professional environment adherent to lab expectations

Education and Experience:

+ Requires at least a Bachelor's degree or higher plus three or more years of work related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills are essential.

+ The successful candidate must be able to work within a team environment and demonstrate a genuine appreciation in working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.

Additional Information:

Application materials should include a single pdf with (i) a cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job, (ii) a CV that includes contact information for at least three references (name, position, telephone number, and e-mail address) and (iii) full length and first-authored works of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations. This position is funded for 12 months from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding, pending review of performance. Please contact [e-mail] for additional information. Our lab is committed to advancing diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.

Our lab is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts at Penn State and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Community:

Pennsylvania State University is a Land-Grant university located in central Pennsylvania. State College and the surrounding communities are home to approximately 100,000 people, including over 45,000 students. The area is known for its highly ranked livability, access to nature spanning beautiful mountains, streams, and parks, and superb recreational opportunities and sports. State College has an excellent school system and offers a multitude of cultural events.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$42,100.00 - $61,000.00

Salary Structure (https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/compensation/staff-salary-grades-and...) - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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 (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

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, affirmative action 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labo...)

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr11)

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information (https://www.psu.edu/copyright-information)

Hotlines

University Park, PA