Research Technologist - Molecular and Precision Medicine​/Medicine

Position Overview

Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine / Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine seeks a Research Technologist to serve as a technical contributor within active research programs focused on placental biology, host–pathogen interactions, and organoid-based disease modeling. The position works closely with senior postdoctoral fellows/scholars and faculty investigators to execute and advance experimental projects related to placental infections and translational organoid systems.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to data generation, figure preparation, and manuscript development while also providing supervisory oversight to junior technical staff supporting routine laboratory operations.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

• Collaborate with senior postdoctoral fellows/scholars on projects investigating placental infection biology and organoid-based models.
• Perform and optimize molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/RT‑PCR, immunoblotting, imaging‑based assays, and related workflows.
• Support organoid culture systems and infection assays under established protocols.
• Contribute to experimental troubleshooting and refinement of protocols.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental procedures and results.
• Assist in data organization and figure generation for peer‑reviewed manuscripts and grant applications.
• Prepare publication‑quality graphs and visual data summaries.
• Contribute to preparation of methods sections and experimental descriptions.
• Present journal club and technical updates during laboratory meetings.
• Participate actively in scientific discussions related to ongoing projects.
• Supervise and mentor Research Technologist I staff responsible for routine laboratory and colony maintenance tasks.
• Ensure quality control and reproducibility across experimental workflows.
• Assist with training new laboratory personnel in established protocols.
• Support overall laboratory organization, inventory management, and compliance standards.
• Maintain equipment and ensure readiness for experimental workflows.
• Contribute to SOP adherence and regulatory documentation as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, or related life science discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience generating and organizing experimental data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with organoid culture systems or infection models.
• Experience contributing to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Familiarity with imaging, data visualization tools, or statistical software.
• Prior experience in an academic medical center.

Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required

Certifications:

None.

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

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00. Penn State provides a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.