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Research Technologist - Pathology

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Hershey
May 11, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • 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.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

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 Pathology Core Reference Laboratory at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is seeking a highly skilled Bioanalytical Scientist to lead LC-MS/MS methods development and validation. This is a high-impact role requiring deep technical expertise in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs of abuse and pain management drugs within complex biological matrices. The ideal candidate is an independent, strategic thinker capable of driving projects from design to validation while providing technical leadership within the laboratory environment. They will develop, design and conduct clinical research projects/experiments; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on results; identifies data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; and oversees daily operations of projects.

  • Method Development & Validation:Design, develop, and validate robust LC-MS/MS methods for small molecule analysis in urine, blood, serum and plasma.
  • Technical Leadership:Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for QQQ and QTOF/HRMS platforms; evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities.
  • Data Integrity & Review:Perform high-level review of clinical toxicology screening and confirmatory results. Ensure all raw data, quality control (QC) metrics, and documentation meet stringent clinical standards.
  • Operational Excellence:Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation to ensure peak performance. Design assay runs independently and manage multiple competing priorities.
  • Quality & Compliance:Author SOPs, methods, and technical reports. Ensure strict adherence to GLP, GCP, CLSI, and CAP regulatory standards.
  • Troubleshooting & Remediation:Promptly identify deviations and implement corrective actions when test systems fall outside of control limits.
  • Conduct clinical research projects or experiments; ensure protocol adherence; review progress and evaluate results

  • Perform a variety of experimental tasks including preparing specimens, microscopy, surgical procedures, labeling, cell cultures, and molecular and cell biology techniques

  • Execute and develop data collection procedures; record, correlate, and analyze data; prepare analysis summaries

  • Oversee the processing and archiving of clinical samples according to trial protocols

  • Contribute to the design of research methods; identify potential problems; recommend solutions and technical approaches for problem solving

  • Make recommendations for the use of data collection, management, and visualization software

  • Train users in equipment operation and research techniques; explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, limitations, and outcomes

  • Develop project protocols; provide input in determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects

  • Author papers, proposals, presentations and reports in order to disseminate findings to the larger research community

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Master's Degreein Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Analytical Chemistry (with 5+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).
  • ORBachelor's Degreein a related field (with 8+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).
  • Technical Expertise:Minimum of5 years of hands-on experiencein LC-MS/MS method development and analysis for biological samples for drugs of abuse.
  • Instrumentation:Advanced proficiency withQQQ and/or QTOF/HRMSplatforms (Agilent experience is highly preferred).
  • Analytics:Advanced capabilities in statistical analysis, and bioanalytical data interpretation.
  • Soft Skills:Proven ability to work independently, lead project teams, and communicate complex technical findings effectively. "CAN-DO" Attitude.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), specificallyEPIC.
  • Deep familiarity with clinical toxicology confirmatory methodologies.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research Technologist - Medical Sciences - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Research Technologist - Medical Sciences - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ 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 $46,400.00 - $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.

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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