Research Technologist - Life Sciences Advance Professional - Bordenstein Lab

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.

Research Technologist (Advanced Professional) – The Bordenstein Laboratory in Penn State University's Departments of Biology and Entomology, and the One Health Microbiome Center seeks a candidate to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in host‑microbe symbioses and the microbiome sciences spanning insect endosymbionts, bacteriophages, and various animal‑associated microbiomes. The role will heavily focus on the use of Drosophila transgenic expression, genetic editing techniques, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, fluorescent and electron microscopy, and team management to understand how endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia) modify reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster.

• Independent experimental design, implementation, analysis, time management, and reporting
• Preparation and adherence to new scientific protocols, specimen evaluation, and biostatistics
• Coauthorship of scientific papers, grants, presentations, and summary reports
• Contribution to research methods, solutions, and technical approaches for problem solving
• Data collection, data analysis, statistics, and visualizations
• Management of trainees for molecular biology skills, biosafety measures, lab policies, equipment, proper record keeping, organismal maintenance, and performance review
• Various experimental tasks, including but not limited to insect handling, tissue dissections, biological marker staining, fluorescent microscopy, microinjections, protein biology, biochemistry, and genotyping and quantification of insect and symbiont cells using PCR and qPCR
• Daily handling and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies at the scale of hundreds to thousands of insects per day
• Troubleshooting of emergencies, day‑to‑day questions by lab members, and laboratory scheduling
• Assistance of lab management and ongoing entomology, microbiology, molecular biology experiments as assigned
• Maintenance of a welcoming, safe, and professional environment adherent to lab expectations

Excellent problem‑solving, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills are essential. The successful candidate must be able to work within a team environment and demonstrate a genuine appreciation for working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.

Bachelor's Degree; 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required certifications:
None.

Application materials should include a single PDF with: (i) a cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job, (ii) a CV that includes contact information for at least three references (name, position, telephone number, and e‑mail address), and (iii) full‑length and first‑authored works of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations for a complete review of scholarship;

the portfolio may be unpublished and not biology related. This position is funded for 12 months from date of hire with possibility of re‑funding, pending review of performance. Please contact srb
6251 for additional information.

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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

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…