Part-Time Student Laboratory Assistant_Level 1 (MBIOT co-op) - Huck CSL Behring Fermentation Facility

Penn State University • University Park, IL

13d

About The Position

The Student Laboratory Assistant supports the Huck Institute of the Life Sciences’ CSL Behring Fermentation Facility. The role involves bioprocessing activities such as fermentation, separation processes including cell lysis, centrifugation, and filtration, purification of bio-based products using FPLC, and analytical procedures. The position is available only to students currently enrolled in the MBIOT program.

The student supports day-to-day facility operations, including routine laboratory and equipment maintenance, preparing buffers, microbial nutrient media, and stock solutions, and keeping records. The student receives training in equipment, processes, techniques, and fundamental principles of microbial fermentation and bioprocessing, including fermentation, microbial biomass processing, purification, and separation techniques. Work is primarily performed under the supervision and guidance of facility staff. Laboratory safety training through Penn State EHS is required if it has not already been completed.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in the MBIOT program.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including clearly presenting experimental results and providing updates.
• Ability to use basic computer software such as Microsoft Office for data analysis.
• Ability to follow protocols and record laboratory notes and data in an organized manner.
• Availability to work at the facility during the 2027 Spring semester for 30 to 40 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

• Strong laboratory experience, particularly with microbial fermentation, media preparation, and aseptic conditions.
• Experience using a biosafety cabinet for microbial culturing, with familiarity across scales from shake flasks to benchtop bioreactors.

Responsibilities

• Support routine day-to-day activities at the fermentation facility.
• Perform routine laboratory and equipment maintenance.
• Prepare buffers, microbial nutrient media, and stock solutions.
• Maintain laboratory records.
• Participate in bioprocessing activities, including fermentation, cell lysis, centrifugation, filtration, purification using FPLC, and analytical procedures.
• Train on equipment and techniques for fermentation, microbial biomass processing, purification, and separation.
• Complete Penn State Laboratory safety training through PSU-EHS if not previously completed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed