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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.
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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Join the world-class team at Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI)!
MRI is Penn State’s catalyst for multidisciplinary education, research, and innovation in materials. MRI operates three open-access research facilities dedicated to materials synthesis, nanofabrication, and characterization. One of these MRI facilities is the Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL).
MCL is currently seeking a motivated and curious laboratory staff member Research Technologist (this will be filled at the Advanced Professional or the Intermediate Professional level, based on qualifications) to support Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This hands-on role is based in the Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL)—a fully staffed, open-access analytical research facility dedicated to enabling research and educating the next generation of scientists.
You’ll work closely with students, faculty, and researchers to operate and maintain advanced instrumentation, train users, and contribute to impactful scientific discoveries. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy solving technical problems, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.
This position will primarily support activities in MCL related to electron microscopy to include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), and other related areas. This position requires a combination of technical and soft skills, an aptitude for working with students, and a desire to provide superior customer service.
Responsibilities include the following:
- Operate and maintain scanning electron microscopes (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) systems, and related support capabilities.
- Train and mentor new users, create training and marketing materials, implement emerging AI based solutions for data analysis, data collection, and user training.
- Analyze and interpret data; communicate results clearly to researchers and collaborators.
- Troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation
- Promote lab safety through regular inspections and adherence to protocols.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and techniques in materials characterization.
Skills and Experience:
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive
- A background in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Geosciences is required.
- A conscientious mindset, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, ability to work autonomously and as a team member, and a commitment to customer service are top priorities.
- The ability to accurately follow instructions, record relevant information, and perform repetitive tasks in a reproducible manner to achieve a consistent result.
Please submit a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
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 $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.
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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