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Staff scientist
Research Technologist
Penn State
Penn State University Park, PA
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 Bisanz Lab, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, and One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) Co-Laboratory seek an experienced Research Technologist, Life Sciences – Senior Professional to support microbiome and metabolome research at Penn State. Application review will begin October 1 and continue until the position is filled.
This position requires the ability to independently perform established molecular biology workflows, troubleshoot routine technical problems, and coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations. The successful candidate will provide training and hands-on guidance to facility users and work closely with investigators, students, and staff from multiple research groups to ensure high-quality, reproducible research and an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Molecular biology and instrumentation
- Independently perform and troubleshoot established molecular biology workflows, including automated nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and sequencing library preparation.
- Perform sample quality control and maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
- Operate laboratory instrumentation and serve as the primary technical contact for sequencing instruments and automation platforms.
- Perform routine instrument maintenance and coordinate service requests.
- Evaluate and implement new laboratory technologies and workflow improvements in collaboration with investigators.
Laboratory operations and user support
- Coordinate sample intake, tracking, processing, and workflow scheduling.
- Participate in experimental planning with investigators.
- Train and provide hands-on guidance to facility users on established protocols and appropriate equipment use.
- Coordinate onboarding for new facility users.
- Develop and maintain laboratory protocols, training materials, and operational records.
- Manage reagents, consumables, and inventory to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Organize laboratory spaces and maintain shared equipment areas.
- Communicate professionally with investigators, students, and staff to coordinate work and resolve technical issues.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to independently perform and troubleshoot established molecular biology workflows.
- Experience following written protocols and maintaining accurate laboratory records.
- Experience coordinating samples, reagents, or laboratory equipment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively with individuals from multiple research groups.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least six years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic research laboratory, core facility, industry, government, or clinical setting. Coursework and short-term research placements alone do not satisfy this requirement.
- Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, sequencing library preparation, or laboratory automation.
- Experience operating and maintaining sequencing instruments or automated liquid-handling systems.
- Experience training laboratory personnel or supporting users in a shared research facility.
- Experience developing, documenting, or improving laboratory protocols.
- Experience with metabolomics or LC-MS/MS workflows.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research Technologist - Life Sciences - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research Technologist - Life Sciences - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
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 $44,628.00 - $78,444.00.
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.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports 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.