Research Lab Technologist
Penn State University
- Location
- Hybrid (Penn State University Park, Illinois)
- Compensation
- $36k - $53k/yr
- Employment
- Full-time
- Level
- Entry Level
About the role
The Kapur Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Research Lab Technologist to support infectious disease and global health research. The role involves executing complex molecular biology techniques, managing sequencing workflows, and maintaining laboratory infrastructure and compliance.
Skills
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
Perks
- Hybrid Work
- Tuition discount
Full job details
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 Kapur Laboratory, situated with the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences and the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University, seeks to appoint a full-time Research Lab Technologist to support its internationally engaged research programs in molecular biology, infectious disease, and global health. This appointment will represent a critical investment in the laboratory's scientific infrastructure and are central to the sustained execution of complex, multi-investigator research initiatives, integrity, and regulatory compliance.
This role demands a high degree of technical proficiency, professional judgement, and organizational discipline. The successful candidate will be expected to exercise care and independence in the execution of established protocols, to maintain meticulous scientific records, and to support laboratory operations in a manner consistent with the expectations of a leading research university. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to impactful scientific inquiry while operating within a collegial, intellectually rigorous academic setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Techniques and Experimental Support
Perform a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, and protein and peptide analysis and purification.
Prepare, quality-control, and manage sequencing workflows, including library preparation for next-generation sequencing, sample normalization, and documentation.
Process, label, store, and track biological samples to accordance with institutional biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory requirements.
Assist with experimental design, execution, optimization, and troubleshooting under the guidance of faculty or senior research staff.
Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely laboratory notebooks and electronic records documenting protocols, observations, and results.
Laboratory Operations and Equipment Management
Lead and support laboratory organization, including workflow optimization, space management, and adherence to safety standards.
Prepare buffers, media, reagents, and solutions following established protocols and quality standards.
Monitor laboratory inventory, coordinate ordering of supplies, and ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Perform routine maintenance, calibrations, and verification or laboratory equipment, including thermocyclers, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, and relation instrumentation.
Ensure laboratory spaces remain clean, organized, and fully compliant with institutional safety policies and regulatory requirements.
Data Management and Reporting
Collect, organize, and assist with the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
Contribute to the preparation of figures, summaries, and documentation for laboratory meetings, internal reports, grant progress updates, and manuscripts.
Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to follow protocols precisely and maintain compliance with biosafety and regulatory standards.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
Prior experience in an academic or research laboratory setting.
Familiarity with data management systems.
Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously in a structured research environment.
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 $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.
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 and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
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.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.