Research Technologist, Advanced Life Sciences Professional
Seth Bordenstein
Candidates can apply at the following link and read the Application Instructions below for compiling your complete application:
Additional Information:
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. These can be (un)published and non-Drosophila related. This full-time position is funded for 12 months from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding, pending review of performance.
Summary:
The Bordenstein Laboratory in Penn State University’s Departments of Biology and Entomology and One Health Microbiome Center seeks a ResearchTechnologist - Life Sciences (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 genetics.
This position 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 the genetics and mechanisms of how endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia) modify reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster.
The successful candidate will have priority tasks in the following areas:
- 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 in working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.
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 stay positive for a high risk / high reward project.
Community:
Pennsylvania State University is a 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 beautiful mountains, streams, and parks, and superb recreational opportunities and sports. State College has an excellent school system and offers a multitude of cultural events.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person only