Research Technologist - Life Sciences Professional - Majoris and Stewart Labs

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Research Technologist in Life Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University, specifically within the Majoris and Stewart Labs. The labs focus on the ecology and evolution of fishes, investigating how environmental conditions affect development, behavior, and population dynamics using experimental and quantitative methods. The successful applicant will provide support to the Principal Investigators (PIs), students, and postdocs in their laboratory research. This role involves assisting with experimental design, setup, and data collection for studies on growth, behavior, physiology, and morphology. Experimental techniques include imaging and morphometric analysis, behavioral assays, and physiological measurements such as respirometry. Data organization and analysis will be performed using platforms like R, Excel, and ImageJ. The position also entails coordinating laboratory supplies and equipment, preparing stock solutions, and supporting data management and general lab operations. Additionally, the role will support aquatic research systems by monitoring environmental parameters, maintaining records, and facilitating experimental workflows involving live food cultures, broodstock populations, and larval rearing. The Research Technologist will also assist with laboratory safety and research compliance, including record-keeping, inventory tracking, and supporting the training of students and staff. Responsibilities extend to coordinating undergraduate research assistants and participating in lab meetings. The successful candidate must demonstrate effective teamwork, clear communication, and meticulous record-keeping. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to communicate clearly.
Ability to maintain accurate, well-organized records.
Strong organizational skills.
Attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

Experience with aquatic research systems.
Experience with live food cultures (e.g., algae, rotifers).
Experience with larval fish rearing.
Experience with data analysis in R.
Open-water scuba diving certification.

Responsibilities

Assisting with experimental design, setup, and data collection for studies of growth, behavior, physiology, and morphology.
Performing experimental approaches including imaging and morphometric analysis, behavioral assays, and physiological measurements (e.g., respirometry).
Organizing and analyzing data using platforms such as R, Excel, and ImageJ.
Coordinating laboratory supplies and equipment.
Preparing stock solutions.
Supporting data management and general lab operations.
Supporting aquatic research systems, including monitoring environmental parameters and maintaining records.
Facilitating experimental workflows involving live food cultures, broodstock populations, and larval rearing.
Assisting with laboratory safety and research compliance, including maintaining records and tracking inventories.
Supporting training of students and staff.
Coordinating undergraduate research assistants.
Participating in lab meetings.
Working effectively in a team environment.
Communicating clearly.
Maintaining accurate, well-organized records.