Research Technologist - Pediatrics

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 38,300 - 55,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical coverage

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Hershey, PA, is seeking a Research Technologist for its Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Lab. The ideal candidate will assist in sample processing, conduct laboratory experiments, and ensure compliance with quality standards. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant laboratory experience. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $38,300 - $55,500 and a comprehensive benefits package, including a 75% tuition discount for employees and family members.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with biological or chemical sample processing.
• Understanding of GCP and GLP practices.

Responsibilities

• Receive, log, and process biological samples.
• Ensure compliance with safety guidelines and documentation.
• Conduct small-scale laboratory experiments.

Skills

Sample processing

Quality control

Laboratory instrumentation

Cell line establishment

Research methodologies

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field

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.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State 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

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, in Hershey, PA, is seeking an innovative and highly driven Research Technologist for the Beat Childhood Cancer (BCC) Research Consortium's Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Lab (POTRL) in the Division of Hematology/Oncology.

This position will primarily assist with sample intake and processing to support laboratory research activities. This role includes receiving, cataloging, and preparing biological or chemical samples according to established protocols, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with quality standards. The technologist will also assist with routine laboratory procedures, maintain equipment, and collaborate with research staff to ensure timely and efficient workflow. They will assist in the design and development of experiments, including the development of new methodologies, analyses and preparation of data for publication and presentation, and provide support to primary investigators as needed.

Essential Functions

• Receive, log, and process incoming samples (blood, bone marrow, CSF, tumor tissue, etc.) and verify documentation.
• Processing human and mouse tissues for establishment of cell lines and generation of patient derived xenograft and organoid models of disease.
• Ensure quality control, accurate documentation, and compliance with SOPs and safety guidelines.
• Performs human subject and animal subject research following GCP and GLP practices.
• Conduct small-scale experiments as it relates to the goals of the lab (e.g. cell viability assays, western blotting, drug sensitivity testing, and other experiments as applicable).
• Monitors care of research animals and assists with surgical and technical procedures as needed.
• Provides technical support to the research director, research investigators, and laboratory manager.
• Performs measurements using various laboratory instrumentation.
• Teaches theoretical and practical aspects of essential functions to other junior staff members, interns, etc.
• Assists in establishing and developing new methodologies as applicable.

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

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. 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 $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.

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.

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.