Advanced Professional Research Technologist in Genetics and Symbiosis Full-time

Our mission is to accelerate knowledge and applications of microbial symbionts. Our scientists are driving that mission forward through their ingenuity in genetic, functional, and computational challenges that will catalyze new facts and solutions for the textbooks and global health. Apply now to become a Research Technologist (Advanced Professional) in the team.

READ BEFORE APPLYING **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 (all pages) and first-authored works of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Bordenstein Laboratory in Penn State University’s Departments of Biology and Entomology and One Health Microbiome Center seeks a full-time Research Technologist – Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to advance a new phase of studies on the molecular biology of the symbiosis between bacteria (in the reproductive tissues) and Drosophila melanogaster. The candidate will design, implement, support, analyze, and report using molecule-to-organismal approaches.  This position will focus on the use of fly rearing, transgenic expression, genetic editing, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, molecular biology, fluorescent and electron microscopy, viral particle purifications, and team management.

The successful candidate will have priority tasks in the following areas:

-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, 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

Education and Experience:

-Requires at least a Bachelor’s degree or higher plus three or more years of work related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
-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 in working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.

This position is funded for 12 months from date of hire.

COMMUNITY:

Pennsylvania State University is a premier Land-Grant university located in central Pennsylvania. State College and the surrounding communities are home to approximately 100,000 people, including over 45,000 students. The area is known for its highly ranked livability, access to nature spanning beautif

**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 (ALL PAGES) and first-authored works of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations.

Tagged as: Life Sciences