Research Technologist - Pediatrics

Research Technologist

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, in Hershey, PA, is seeking an innovative and highly driven Research Technologist for the Beat Childhood Cancer (BCC) Research Consortium's Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Lab (POTRL) in the Division of Hematology/Oncology.

This position will primarily assist with sample intake and processing to support laboratory research activities. This role includes receiving, cataloging, and preparing biological or chemical samples according to established protocols, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with quality standards. The technologist will also assist with routine laboratory procedures, maintain equipment, and collaborate with research staff to ensure timely and efficient workflow. They will assist in the design and development of experiments, including the development of new methodologies, analyses and preparation of data for publication and presentation, and provide support to primary investigators as needed.

Essential Functions

• Receive, log, and process incoming samples (blood, bone marrow, CSF, tumor tissue, etc.) and verify documentation.
• Processing human and mouse tissues for establishment of cell lines and generation of patient derived xenograft and organoid models of disease.
• Ensure quality control, accurate documentation, and compliance with SOPs and safety guidelines.
• Performs human subject and animal subject research following GCP and GLP practices.
• Conduct small-scale experiments as it relates to the goals of the lab (e.g. cell viability assays, western blotting, drug sensitivity testing, and other experiments as applicable).
• Monitors care of research animals and assists with surgical and technical procedures as needed.
• Provides technical support to the research director, research investigators, and laboratory manager.
• Performs measurements using various laboratory instrumentation.
• Teaches theoretical and practical aspects of essential functions to other junior staff members, interns, etc.
• Assists in establishing and developing new methodologies as applicable.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. 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 $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.

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.