Research Technologist - Life Sciences Advance Professional - Bordenstein Lab

POSITION SPECIFICS

Borden stein Laboratory, Penn State University’s Departments of Biology and Entomology and One Health Microbiome Center seeks a Research Technologist (Advanced Professional) 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 focuses on Drosophila transgenic expression, genetic editing, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, fluorescence and electron microscopy, and team management to understand how endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia) modify reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed. This position is funded for 12 months with potential continuation based on university need, performance, and/or funding availability.

• 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, 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 insect handling, tissue dissections, biological marker staining, fluorescence 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 emergencies, day‑to‑day questions by lab members, and laboratory scheduling
• Assistance with lab management and ongoing entomology, microbiology, molecular biology experiments, as assigned
• Maintenance of a welcoming, safe, and professional environment adhered to lab expectations

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

• Required certifications:
None.

• Excellent problem‑solving, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills. Ability to work within a team environment and demonstrate a genuine appreciation for working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.

Submit a single PDF containing a cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest, a CV including contact information for at least three references (name, position, telephone number, and e‑mail address), and a portfolio of research works (full‑length and first‑authored papers, reports, posters, and presentations). The portfolio may be unpublished and not necessarily related to biology.

Employment with the University requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor employment visas; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this position is $42,100.00 – $61,000.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time), and a 75% tuition discount available to 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.
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