Research Technologist - Kennedy Lab

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

4d • $34,800 - $50,500

About The Position

The Kennedy Lab at Penn State in the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics (CIDD) is seeking a Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Professional) to assist in projects on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We have been developing the system of Caenorhabditis hosts (nearly microscopic, lab culturable, nematode worms) and a virus that naturally infects them (Shaw & Kennedy 2022 ) . This system allows for the controlled study of disease ecology and pathogen evolution in replicate host populations, which is extremely rare in the field of disease ecology. Questions that the Research Technologist will help answer include but are not limited to how pathogens evolve in response to host immune systems and what changes pathogens undergo while adapting to novel host species. The successful applicant will be responsible for preparing reagents, taking inventory on consumables, maintaining worm lines, making plates, washing glassware, preparing worms and virus for experiments, and conducting and assisting with experiments. They will become competent with pipetting, aseptic technique, using a balance, quantitative PCR, dissecting microscopy, fluorescent dissecting microscopy, worm wrangling, worm counting, and basic experimental design. Previous experience with any of these methods is an advantage but is not required. An ideal candidate will have an interest in ecology and evolution, will be detail-oriented, and will be collegial, hard-working, and considerate of others.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with pipetting, aseptic technique, using a balance, quantitative PCR, dissecting microscopy, fluorescent dissecting microscopy, worm wrangling, worm counting, and basic experimental design.
• An interest in ecology and evolution
• detail-oriented
• collegial
• hard-working
• considerate of others

Responsibilities

• preparing reagents
• taking inventory on consumables
• maintaining worm lines
• making plates
• washing glassware
• preparing worms and virus for experiments
• conducting and assisting with experiments

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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