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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
The Metabolomics Core Facility, one of eleven Core Laboratories supported by the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, seeks qualified applicants for the role of Core Research Technologist to provide technical and operational support for metabolomics research projects.
This position will be filled at the Core Research Technologist - Intermediate Professional OR Advanced Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
The facility supports more than 40 research laboratories annually across Penn State and external organizations and utilizes state-of-the-art Orbitrap, TOF, and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry platforms to analyze diverse biological and chemical samples.
This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment while gaining hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and metabolomics workflows.
Key Responsibilities- Perform sample preparation and processing for a variety of sample types, including blood, urine, feces, microbial cultures, plant materials, cells, and tissues.
- Support metabolomics and lipidomics analyses using LC-MS, GC-MS, and high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot Orbitrap, TOF, and triple quadrupole instrumentation and associated software.
- Assist in developing and optimizing analytical methods for metabolite identification and quantification.
- Process, analyze, and manage experimental data using instrument-specific software and data analysis tools.
- Coordinate project activities, communicate with researchers and clients, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to projects and facility operations.
- Support onboarding and implementation of new instrumentation and analytical capabilities as they are added to the facility.
- Assist with general laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and facility organization.
- Perform work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment while adhering to established safety protocols.
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
- Relevant laboratory or research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic research environment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
- Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, lipidomics, or related analytical techniques.
- Proficiency with Sciex, Thermo, Agilent, or similar instrument software platforms.
- Experience with analytical method development and optimization.
- Familiarity with metabolomics data processing, analysis, and data management practices.
- Experience working in a research laboratory or core facility environment.
The successful candidate will receive training in the operation, maintenance, and application of advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation and will have opportunities to develop expertise as new technologies are introduced.
Application InstructionsInterested applicants should submit:
- A cover letter describing relevant experience and qualifications
- A current CV or résumé
- Contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Core Research Technologist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Core Research Technologist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ 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 $44,628.00 - $78,444.00.
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.
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.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific field
- Relevant laboratory or research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic research environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- For the Advanced Professional level, 3 or more years of relevant experience
- For the Intermediate Professional level, 1 or more years of relevant experience
- Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
- Experience with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, lipidomics, or related analytical techniques
- Proficiency with Sciex, Thermo, Agilent, or similar instrument software platforms
- Experience with analytical method development and optimization
- Familiarity with metabolomics data processing, analysis, and data management practices
- Experience working in a research laboratory or core facility environment
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
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What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
