Research Technologist - Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory; ECAL

Position: Research Technologist - Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory (ECAL)
Research Technologist
- Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory (ECAL)
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- Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory (ECAL) page is loaded## Research Technologist
- Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory (ECAL)
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Penn State University Parktime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 8 Days Agojob requisition :
REQ #
** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.###
** 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.
** This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.###   
** POSITION SPECIFICS
** The
** Penn State Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory (ECAL)
** seeks a detail-oriented
** Research Technologist
** to support sample processing and instrumental analysis of contaminants of emerging concern and legacy contaminants. This position will be filled at the
** Core Research Technologist - Professional
** level.

This role includes operating and maintaining sample preparation equipment, managing laboratory supplies and waste, and assisting with analytical tasks as directed by the ECAL supervisor and the laboratory team.

The successful candidate must possess, or be willing to complete basic laboratory safety training.
*
* Key Responsibilities:

*** Receive, log, and track environmental samples; verify chain of custody, labeling, and documentation.
* Prepare samples according to SOPs using contamination‐controlled workflows (e.g., clean benches, fiber‐free PPE, glass and metal labware).
* Perform sample preparation techniques appropriate to the matrix and contaminant, including weighing, extractions, digestions, density separation, filtration, and rinse/recovery steps.
* Manage and document process blanks, positive controls, and spiked recovery standards, including deviations and corrective actions.
* Operate, maintain, and monitor sample preparation equipment (e.g., analytical balances, extraction systems, centrifuges, sonicators, vacuum manifolds, ovens/desiccators, density separation apparatus, and filtration systems).
* Conduct glassware decontamination and preparation following laboratory SOPs.
* Assist with laboratory supply ordering, consumables tracking, and laboratory waste management to support ongoing workflows.
** MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
** Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Required

Certifications:

None###   
** BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
** Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.###  Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
** SALARY & BENEFITS
** The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure 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…