Research Technologist - Molecular and Precision Medicine / Medicine

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Position specifics

The Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine / Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine seeks a Research Technologist to serve as a technical contributor within active research programs focused on placental biology, host-pathogen interactions, and organoid-based disease modeling.

This position will work closely with senior postdoctoral fellows/scholars and faculty investigators to execute and advance experimental projects related to placental infections and translational organoid systems. The successful candidate will contribute directly to data generation, figure preparation, and manuscript development while also providing supervisory oversight to junior technical staff supporting routine laboratory operations.

This role is suited for a laboratory professional who seeks meaningful engagement in high-impact translational research within a collaborative academic environment.

Key responsibilities

Experimental research & data generation

• Collaborate with senior postdoctoral fellows/scholars on projects investigating placental infection biology and organoid-based models


• Perform and optimize molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/RT-PCR, immunoblotting, imaging-based assays, and related workflows


• Support organoid culture systems and infection assays under established protocols


• Contribute to experimental troubleshooting and refinement of protocols


• Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental procedures and results

Scientific output & presentation

• Assist in data organization and figure generation for peer-reviewed manuscripts and grant applications


• Prepare publication-quality graphs and visual data summaries


• Contribute to preparation of methods sections and experimental descriptions


• Present journal club and technical updates during laboratory meetings


• Participate actively in scientific discussions related to ongoing projects

Supervision & technical oversight

• Supervise and mentor Research Technologist I staff responsible for routine laboratory and colony maintenance tasks


• Ensure quality control and reproducibility across experimental workflows


• Assist with training new laboratory personnel in established protocols

Laboratory operations

• Support overall laboratory organization, inventory management, and compliance standards


• Maintain equipment and ensure readiness for experimental workflows


• Contribute to SOP adherence and regulatory documentation as required

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, or related life science discipline


• 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience


• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques


• Experience generating and organizing experimental data


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Experience working with organoid culture systems or infection models


• Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications


• Familiarity with imaging, data visualization tools, or statistical software


• Prior experience in an academic medical center

Minimum education, work experience & required certifications

Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage


• robust retirement plans


• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time


• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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 .

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.