Research Technologist – Pathology

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A Research Technologist position is available in the Pontes laboratory, in the Department of Pathology, at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. The successful candidate will conduct experiments aimed at understanding physiological processes used by symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria to interact with eukaryotic host cells.

This position requires working both individually and as part of a team, under the supervision of the principal investigator. Specifically, the technologist is expected to maintain the daily operations of the laboratory, train new personnel, manage and participate in the execution of research projects, and analyze experimental data. The individual will also take part in the formulation of research projects by helping design experiments and evaluating costs and feasibility of research goals.

The technologist is expected to maintain laboratory notebooks with accurate and complete records of laboratory work, to enable reproducibility. The successful candidate is expected to be proficient in standard molecular biology techniques ((q)PCR, nucleic acid purification, cloning, and Western blotting), aseptic microbiological technique, eukaryotic cell culturing, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Primary Duties:
Managing day to day operations of laboratory, including overseeing maintenance of equipment and handling of overall logistics support for laboratory staff (carrying our laboratory order, replenishing consumables, preparing media and reagents, and maintaining sanitation).
Enforcing policies of chemical and biological safety and waste management and, in conjunction with institutional representatives, schedule waste removal and laboratory inspections.
Assisting with training and oversight of new laboratory members, including graduate students and postdocs.
Managing, archiving and distribution of bacterial strains.
Designing, conducting and analyzing genetic and molecular biology experiments, biochemical assays, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of bacteria in axenic conditions or in association with eukaryotic host cells.
Preservation of experimental data, including computer archiving of raw data and maintaining laboratory notebooks with accurate and complete records of laboratory work.

Effective Knowledge:
The successful candidate is expected to be proficient in standard molecular biology techniques ((q)PCR, nucleic acid purification, cloning, and Western blotting), aseptic microbiological technique, and eukaryotic cell culturing.

Accountability and Self-Management:
The successful candidate is expected to (1) learn new concepts and techniques, (2) help train and disseminate gained knowledge to new lab members, and (3) maintain laboratory notebooks with accurate and complete records of laboratory work, to enable reproducibility and maintain scientific rigor.

Teamwork and Leadership:
This position requires working both individually and as part of a team, under the supervision of the principal investigator.

Communication:
This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Innovation and Problem Solving:
The successful candidate is expected to participate in the design of the research, and implement and troubleshoot experiments.

This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s degree preferred) plus 7 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

This is a limited-term position funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of refunding. 

The following clearances must be successfully completed for this position:  

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check  
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check   

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

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 .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

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