Trainee Insect Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Bordenstein Laboratory in 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. 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.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
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 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 srb6251@psu.edu for additional information.
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.
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 $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.
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.
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