Research Technologist - Neural & Behavioral Sciences

Penn State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering a full-time Research Technologist position in a cutting-edge lab focused on the intersection of cancer and neurological disorders. This role involves maintaining human cancer cell lines, modifying gene expression, and conducting advanced research techniques such as CRISPR. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree, strong organizational and communication skills, and a passion for research. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and contribute to meaningful projects that impact health and well-being. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive in a supportive academic environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education required.
• Proficiency in statistical software and basic computer applications essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain human cancer cell lines and perform gene cloning.
• Oversee inventory and assist in training students in lab techniques.

Skills

Gene expression modification

CRISPR techniques

Cell culture systems

Statistical software (R, GraphPad Prism)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences

Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A full-time Research Technologist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Shilpi Paul in the Neural and Behavioral Sciences Department at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey PA. The lab works on the interface of cancer and neurological disorders. We are interested in understanding how cells exposed to stressors like estrogen and oxidative stress utilize different damage response pathways to maintain genome and proteome integrity; how these proteins are misregulated during cancer, aging and neurological disorders.

This position involves key research responsibilities such as maintaining human cancer cell lines and human iPSCs, modifying gene expression in cell culture systems (via siRNA and lentivirus), gene cloning, and performing CRISPR-based gene knock-in/knock-out. Additionally, tasks will include analyzing gene and protein expression, conducting immunoprecipitation, chromatin pull-down assays, and immunofluorescence. For qualified candidates, there may also be opportunities for independent research.

The management responsibilities for this position include overseeing inventory, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting in training students and interns in laboratory techniques. Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Illustrator) and experience with statistical software such as R and GraphPad Prism are essential. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn new techniques, demonstrate responsibility, be self-motivated and conscientious, adaptable, a strong communicator, and possess excellent organizational skills. Additionally, candidates will be expected to collaborate on the development and design of research projects under the guidance of faculty. A bachelor’s degree is required, with a preference for a master's degree in biomedical sciences or a related field.

This position will be filled at a Professional or Intermediate Professional level depending on the candidate's education and experience. This position requires a Bachelor's Degree and 1+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience required for higher level positions.

To Apply:

Please complete your online application and attach the following support documentation as separate attachments: Updated CV, brief cover letter indicating prior research experience and career goals, and relevant publications in addition to the names of 2 references.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.

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

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is: $34,800.00 - $55,500.00.

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.

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.