Research Technologist - Pathology

Bioanalytical Scientist

The Pathology Core Reference Laboratory at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is seeking a highly skilled Bioanalytical Scientist to lead LC-MS/MS methods development and validation. This is a high-impact role requiring deep technical expertise in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs of abuse and pain management drugs within complex biological matrices. The ideal candidate is an independent, strategic thinker capable of driving projects from design to validation while providing technical leadership within the laboratory environment.

They will develop, design and conduct clinical research projects/experiments; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on results; identifies data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; and oversees daily operations of projects.

• Method Development & Validation:
  Design, develop, and validate robust LC-MS/MS methods for small molecule analysis in urine, blood, serum and plasma.
• Technical Leadership:
  Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for QQQ and QTOF/HRMS platforms; evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• Data Integrity & Review:
  Perform high-level review of clinical toxicology screening and confirmatory results. Ensure all raw data, quality control (QC) metrics, and documentation meet stringent clinical standards.
• Operational Excellence:
  Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation to ensure peak performance. Design assay runs independently and manage multiple competing priorities.
• Quality & Compliance:
  Author SOPs, methods, and technical reports. Ensure strict adherence to GLP, GCP, CLSI, and CAP regulatory standards.
• Troubleshooting & Remediation:
  Promptly identify deviations and implement corrective actions when test systems fall outside of control limits.
• Conduct clinical research projects or experiments; ensure protocol adherence; review progress and evaluate results
• Perform a variety of experimental tasks including preparing specimens, microscopy, surgical procedures, labeling, cell cultures, and molecular and cell biology techniques
• Execute and develop data collection procedures; record, correlate, and analyze data; prepare analysis summaries
• Oversee the processing and archiving of clinical samples according to trial protocols
• Contribute to the design of research methods; identify potential problems; recommend solutions and technical approaches for problem solving
• Make recommendations for the use of data collection, management, and visualization software
• Train users in equipment operation and research techniques; explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, limitations, and outcomes
• Develop project protocols; provide input in determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
• Author papers, proposals, presentations and reports in order to disseminate findings to the larger research community

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Analytical Chemistry (with 5+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).
• OR Bachelor's Degree in a related field (with 8+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).

• Technical Expertise:
  Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in LC-MS/MS method development and analysis for biological samples for drugs of abuse.
• Instrumentation:
  Advanced proficiency with QQQ and/or QTOF/HRMS platforms (Agilent experience is highly preferred).
• Analytics:
  Advanced capabilities in statistical analysis, and bioanalytical data interpretation.
• Soft Skills:
  
  Proven ability to work independently, lead project teams, and communicate complex technical findings effectively. "CAN-DO" Attitude.

• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), specifically EPIC.
• Deep familiarity with clinical toxicology confirmatory methodologies.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

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