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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…