Research Technologist

Penn State University • Benner Township, PA

1d • $42,100 - $61,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Martins Lab in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Research Technologist. This role is dedicated to supporting research and diagnostic activities, specifically focusing on avian virology and molecular diagnostics. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing a variety of laboratory procedures, including sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup and analysis, cell culture, and both virological and serological assays. The position also involves supporting in vitro and in vivo studies within ABSL-2 facilities and conducting work with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in ABSL-3 facilities, strictly adhering to all biosafety and regulatory requirements. Beyond experimental work, the Technologist will manage daily laboratory operations, which includes preparing reagents and materials, cleaning and decontaminating workspaces and equipment, autoclaving, inventory management, and performing routine equipment maintenance. Ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures, quality assurance protocols, and data integrity standards, along with accurate documentation and data entry, is crucial. Additionally, the role provides support for diagnostic testing workflows during periods of high sample volume and contributes to outbreak response efforts as needed. The Technologist is expected to collaborate with faculty, staff, and trainees, such as graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, to achieve ongoing research and diagnostic objectives within the avian virology program. This position is initially funded for one year, with continuation dependent on university need, performance, and funding availability.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, veterinary science, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, nucleic acid extraction, cloning).
• Experience with cell culture and virology essays.
• Experience with biosafety practices (AgBSL-2/AgBSL-3).
• Experience working in a diagnostic or research laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform a range of laboratory procedures, including sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup and analysis, cell culture, and virological and serological assays.
• Support in vitro and in vivo studies in ABSL-2 facilities.
• Work with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in ABSL-3 facilities, in compliance with all biosafety and regulatory requirements.
• Support daily laboratory operations, including preparing reagents and materials, cleaning and decontaminating workspaces and equipment, autoclaving, managing inventory, and performing routine equipment maintenance.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, quality assurance protocols, and data integrity standards, including accurate documentation and data entry.
• Support diagnostic testing workflows during periods of increased sample volume.
• Contribute to outbreak response efforts as needed.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and trainees, including graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, to support ongoing research and diagnostic objectives.
• Perform molecular and virological assays using cell culture, embryonated eggs, and serological assays.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including cleaning and sterilization, inventory management, and routine upkeep.
• Document results, data integrity, material inventory, and assist in preparing project reports.
• Support graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Assist with poultry studies and conduct in vitro and in vivo HPAI experiments in the Eva J. Pell ABSL-3 Laboratory.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees