Research Technologist - Life Sciences Professional - Bordenstein Lab

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Penn State University is seeking a Research Technologist-Life Sciences to assist in impactful research at the Bordenstein Laboratory. This role involves various laboratory tasks including insect husbandry, molecular techniques, and experimental design to support entomological studies focusing on microbial interactions.

Benefits

75% tuition discount for employees and family

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off including holidays and vacation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; no prior relevant work experience needed.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills essential.
• Ability to efficiently learn and implement tasks in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Support research on host-microbe symbiosis involving insect husbandry and fitness assays.
• Design and implement experimental protocols.
• Assist with daily lab operations and manage insect colonies.

Skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

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.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

TheBordenstein Laboratoryin Penn State’s One Health Microbiome Center and Departments of Biology and Entomology seeks a Research Technologist-Life Sciences (Professional) to support meaningful research on hard problems in host-microbe symbioses in the reproductive tract. Roles will include insect husbandry, fitness assays, tissue dissections, nucleotide extractions and measurements, bacterial culturing, and fluorescent microscopy. The system is focused ona bacterial endosymbiont (Wolbachia), bacteriophage (phage WO), and insect hosts (Drosophilaflies andAedesmosquitoes).

The successful candidate will contribute to day-to-day lab operations, including but not limited to:

• A welcoming and professional environment
• An ability to efficiently learn and implement tasks
• Design of experimental protocols and implementations
• Assistance across the laboratory’s scholarship
• Disposal of bio-waste and management of hazardous chemicals
• Daily handling and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies and
• Troubleshooting of emergencies and laboratory scheduling.

Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills are essential. Successful candidates must be able to work within a regimented, team environment and demonstrate a genuine appreciation in working responsibly and diligently.

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

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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.

WHO WE ARE

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.

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 - $50,500.00.

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 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.

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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.

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