Research Assistant - Jake Gittlen Laboratories

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 4 year(s); continuation past 4 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Jake Gittlen Laboratories in Hershey, PA is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our energetic genetics and digital biology research lab. In this dual-role position, you'll help support both laboratory experiments and day-to-day research operations. By joining us, you'll play an important part in cutting-edge projects like building a next-generation 3D zebrafish atlas that brings together omics data, investigating genetic factors linked to hypopigmentation and melanoma risk in Europeans, and keeping our lab running smoothly.

The Research Assistant also provides support for research project operations and logistics, facilitates communications between research team and sponsors, assists with data entry and organization, participate in grant and manuscript writing, prepares project documentation, and processes financial transactions related to the project.

Responsibilities That Drive Innovation

• Conduct hands-on laboratory experiments:
  You'll prepare reagents, handle cells and tissues, perform behavioral assays, and molecular analysis, all while contributing directly to projects like our microanatomical 3D zebrafish atlas, a next-generation platform integrating multi-omics for the global research community
• Advance reproducible science:
  Conduct, collect, analyze, and meticulously document data, strengthening the rigor and reproducibility that allow our results to shape future research
• Empower creative experimental design:
  Participate in discussions that refine methods and drive progress in understanding key genes and biological systems
• Facilitate collaboration:
  You'll act as a link between lab members, project sponsors, and collaborators, help organize meetings and training sessions, and coordinate schedules and logistics. You'll also help with budget tracking, reimbursements, and purchases
• Champion data management and technology:
  Embrace coding, data entry, and report generation while working at the intersection of biology and data science, ensuring that our discoveries are accessible and beneficial to broader audiences
• Support grant, manuscript writing and outreach:
  Contribute to grant proposals, scientific papers, reports, and project documentation, that highlight our work and open doors to new research opportunities
• Maintaining standards of safety and regulatory compliance:
  You'll maintain thorough documentation, track certifications, follow standard operating procedures, and help keep the lab in line with biosafety, IACUC, and IRB regulations. You'll coordinate inventory and equipment maintenance to ensure our workspace is safe and organized

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required

Certifications:

None

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field
Prior laboratory research experience (academic or industry), with demonstrated technical skills in at least one of the following: molecular biology, zebrafish or animal model handling, imaging, genome editing, or pharmacological assays.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Familiarity with laboratory best practices, safety regulations, and data management systems.
Self-driven with intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a drive for discovery.

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 $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.

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…