Research Technologist
Quick Summary
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,
Responsibilities
~1 min readMolecular 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.
Requirements
~1 min read- 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.
- 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.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
What We Offer
~1 min read
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.
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.
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.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $44,628–$78,444 a year
- 9% below the $67,600 median for Other jobs on Jobera (122,652 salaries).
- Posted
- 13 days ago
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 13, 2026
- First seen
- October 26, 2026
- Last seen
- October 26, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 31%
- Scored at
- October 26, 2026
Signal breakdown
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