Student Laboratory Assistant Level 1 Co-op

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Student Laboratory Assistant_Level 1 (MBIOT co-op)

Huck Institute of the Life Sciences - CSL Behring Fermentation Facility

Position Overview:

Responsibilities in this position will include being involved in bioprocessing activities including fermentation, separation process (cell lysis, centrifugation, filtration), purification of bio-based products using FPLC, and performing analytical procedures. This position is only available to the students who are currently enrolled in MBIOT program.

Job Description and Requirements:

• Primary responsibilities will be to support the CSL Behring Fermentation Facility’s day-to-day activities such as routine maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, preparing buffers as well as microbial nutrient media and stock solution, and record keeping.
• Additionally, the student co-op will be trained on equipment, processes, techniques, and fundamental principles of microbial fermentation and bioprocessing.
• Work will primarily be performed under supervision and guidance by staff in the facility.
• Training will cover the use of equipment related to fermentation, processing of microbial biomass, purification and separation techniques. Typical equipment used would include bioreactors at various scales, biomass processing equipment, and tangential flow filtration and chromatography systems as well.
• Will be required to go through Penn State Laboratory safety training via PSU-EHS if this has not been previously completed.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong laboratory experience specifically with microbial fermentation, media preparation, aseptic conditions
• Use of biosafety cabinet for microbial culturing including familiarity at various scales from shake flasks to benchtop bioreactors.
• This position requires strong organizational and communication skills in clearly presenting experimental results and providing updates
• Use of basic computer software such as Microsoft Office for analysis of data
• Ability to follow protocols and record laboratory notes and data in an organized fashion.
• Available to work in the facility during the 2027 Spring semester between 30 to 40 hours/week.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $15.00/HR.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines