Research Technologist - Pathology

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA seeks a Bioanalytical Scientist to lead LC-MS/MS method development and validation for drugs of abuse and pain management.

The candidate will act as SME for QQQ and QTOF/HRMS, ensure GLP/GCP compliance, supervise data integrity, and author technical reports while guiding project teams toward timely results.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of LC-MS/MS method development and analysis for biological samples.
• Hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS in drugs of abuse analysis.
• Expertise with QQQ and QTOF/HRMS platforms.
• Strong statistical analysis and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to lead projects independently and communicate complex results.
• Experience with regulatory standards (GLP, GCP, CLSI, CAP).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate LC-MS/MS methods for small molecule analysis in urine, blood, serum, and plasma.
• Serve as SME for LC-MS/MS platforms and evaluate emerging technologies.
• Review clinical toxicology results and ensure data integrity.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation; manage multiple priorities.
• Author SOPs, methods, and technical reports aligning with regulatory standards.
• Train users on equipment operation and research techniques.

Skills

Independent work

Project leadership

Communication skills

CAN-DO attitude

Education

Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Analytical Chemistry

Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Tools

EPIC LIS

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pathology Core Reference Laboratory at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is seeking a highly skilled Bioanalytical Scientist to lead LC-MS/MS methods development and validation. This is a high-impact role requiring deep technical expertise in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs of abuse and pain management drugs within complex biological matrices. The ideal candidate is an independent, strategic thinker capable of driving projects from design to validation while providing technical leadership within the laboratory environment.

• Method Development & Validation: Design, develop, and validate robust LC-MS/MS methods for small molecule analysis in urine, blood, serum and plasma.
• Technical Leadership: Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for QQQ and QTOF/HRMS platforms; evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• Data Integrity & Review: Perform high-level review of clinical toxicology screening and confirmatory results. Ensure all raw data, quality control (QC) metrics, and documentation meet stringent clinical standards.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation to ensure peak performance. Design assay runs independently and manage multiple competing priorities.
• Quality & Compliance: Author SOPs, methods, and technical reports. Ensure strict adherence to GLP, GCP, CLSI, and CAP regulatory standards.
• Troubleshooting & Remediation: Promptly identify deviations and implement corrective actions when test systems fall outside of control limits.
• Conduct clinical research projects or experiments; ensure protocol adherence; review progress and evaluate results.
• Perform a variety of experimental tasks including preparing specimens, microscopy, surgical procedures, labeling, cell cultures, and molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Execute and develop data collection procedures; record, correlate, and analyze data; prepare analysis summaries.
• Oversee the processing and archiving of clinical samples according to trial protocols.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred Qualifications – Education: Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Analytical Chemistry (with 5+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience) or Bachelor's Degree in a related field (with 8+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).
• Technical Expertise: Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in LC-MS/MS method development and analysis for biological samples for drugs of abuse.
• Instrumentation: Advanced proficiency with QQQ and/or QTOF/HRMS platforms (Agilent experience highly preferred).
• Analytics: Advanced capabilities in statistical analysis and bioanalytical data interpretation.
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to work independently, lead project teams, and communicate complex technical findings effectively. “CAN‑DO” attitude.
• Preferred Skills: Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), specifically EPIC; deep familiarity with clinical toxicology confirmatory methodologies.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research Technologist – Medical Sciences – Principal Professional, this position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No certifications required.

If filled as Research Technologist – Medical Sciences – Senior Professional, this position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No certifications required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Background checks and clearances will be conducted in accordance with University policies. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Details regarding campus security and crime statistics are available on the university’s public website.

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.

NOTE FOR APPLICANTS

This description is for informational purposes only. For application instructions and internal processes, please refer to Penn State’s official application portal.