Research Technologist - Molecular and Precision Medicine

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Penn State College of Medicine Carrel Lab in Hershey, PA is seeking a full-time Research Technologist to perform molecular genetics research on complex traits and disorders. The role includes training users, developing protocols, and reporting results to the scientific community.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of relevant experience, with strong organization and data handling skills. Background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 1+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certifications: None.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research projects related to life science areas; ensure protocol adherence.
• Perform assays, material tests, specimen evaluation, and cultures.
• Collect, correlate, and analyze data; prepare summaries.
• Contribute to research design and problem solving.
• Recommend data collection, management, and visualization software.
• Train users in equipment operation and techniques.
• Develop project protocols and ensure quality, cost efficiency and timeliness.
• Author papers, proposals, and reports to disseminate findings.

Skills

Data collection

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Data visualization software

SOP writing

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.

The Carrel Lab in the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a full-time Research Technologist. This individual will perform research on the molecular genetics of complex traits and disorders. Individuals eager to perform research that utilizes a wide variety of molecular techniques are encouraged to apply.

• 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
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• This position requires strong organizational skills, detailed note taking, data collection and documentation, and attention to detail.
• The successful candidate will be expected to perform and troubleshoot experiments with minimal supervision upon training (50%). With experience, they will be expected to contribute to research design, identify problems and recommend solutions (20%).
• Experimental techniques including cell culture, nucleic acid isolation and analyses, e.g. RT-qPCR, and some aspects of high-throughput sequencing data processing.
• This individual will be isolating and processing cells for genomic analysis and therefore must be comfortable working with human patient samples.
• Additionally, responsible for operational activities of the laboratory including routine laboratory maintenance, ordering supplies, writing SOPs, maintaining training and safety documentation, and making common solutions. (20%)
• Will be expected to assist with aspects of manuscript or grant preparation. (5%)
• May supervise aspects of undergraduate and graduate student projects and training of lab personnel in proper usage of equipment. (5%)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A BS in a biological sciences field.
• Preference will be given to individuals with >1 year of previous genetics, molecular, immunology and/or cell biology research experience.

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.