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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.
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 4 year(s); continuation past 4 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Penn State College of Medicine, Jake Gittlen Laboratories in Hershey, PA is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our energetic genetics and digital biology research lab. In this dual-role position, you’ll help support both laboratory experiments and day-to-day research operations. By joining us, you’ll play an important part in cutting-edge projects like building a next-generation 3D zebrafish atlas that brings together omics data, investigating genetic factors linked to hypopigmentation and melanoma risk in Europeans, and keeping our lab running smoothly.
The Research Assistant also provides support for research project operations and logistics, facilitates communications between research team and sponsors, assists with data entry and organization, participate in grant and manuscript writing, prepares project documentation, and processes financial transactions related to the project.
Responsibilities That Drive Innovation
- Conduct hands-on laboratory experiments: You’ll prepare reagents, handle cells and tissues, perform behavioral assays, and molecular analysis, all while contributing directly to projects like our microanatomical 3D zebrafish atlas, a next-generation platform integrating multi-omics for the global research community
- Advance reproducible science: Conduct, collect, analyze, and meticulously document data, strengthening the rigor and reproducibility that allow our results to shape future research
- Empower creative experimental design: Participate in discussions that refine methods and drive progress in understanding key genes and biological systems
- Facilitate collaboration: You’ll act as a link between lab members, project sponsors, and collaborators, help organize meetings and training sessions, and coordinate schedules and logistics. You’ll also help with budget tracking, reimbursements, and purchases
- Champion data management and technology: Embrace coding, data entry, and report generation while working at the intersection of biology and data science, ensuring that our discoveries are accessible and beneficial to broader audiences
- Support grant, manuscript writing and outreach: Contribute to grant proposals, scientific papers, reports, and project documentation, that highlight our work and open doors to new research opportunities
- Maintaining standards of safety and regulatory compliance: You’ll maintain thorough documentation, track certifications, follow standard operating procedures, and help keep the lab in line with biosafety, IACUC, and IRB regulations. You’ll coordinate inventory and equipment maintenance to ensure our workspace is safe and organized
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Degree
4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field
Prior laboratory research experience (academic or industry), with demonstrated technical skills in at least one of the following: molecular biology, zebrafish or animal model handling, imaging, genome editing, or pharmacological assays.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Familiarity with laboratory best practices, safety regulations, and data management systems.
Self-driven with intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a drive for discovery.
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 $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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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