Research Technologist - Advanced Life Sciences Professional

Please submit the specific materials below at

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the portfolio may be unpublished and not biology related.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 and funds.

The Borden stein 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
• Co‑authorship 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.

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.