Core Research Technologist

• 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Behrend is seeking a research technologist for full time employment in the Plastics Technology Lab.The successful candidate will provide consultation and guidance for users on specialized research methods and techniques within the lab facility; guides users on experimental design, instrument capabilities, and analysis techniques; provides data reports for customers; oversees daily lab operations related to safety, compliance, inventory, scheduling, and budget; ensures the availability of high-quality services for the University research community. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to secure and lead independent R&D projects and also take responsibility for industrial testing requests that require expertise in polymer processing, sample testing and materials characterization.The candidate must be comfortable engaging with faculty, students and industrial partners and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write technical reports.

The successful candidate must have B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology, Polymer Engineering or the degree equivalent.A minimum of 1 year of experience in injection molding, melt extrusion, mechanical testing and thermal analysis is required.A minimum of 1 year of experience in polymer flow simulation and rheological characterization is also desired.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Apply knowledge of scientific principles, concepts, and methods to design, update, document, and execute experimental protocols; develop operating procedures for lab facility
• Collaborate with faculty to develop specialized research procedures, experiments, or simulations; leverage the facility's specialized equipment or services
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and quality control of research instruments; evaluate performance to ensure accurate results; consult customers on instrument capabilities and procedures; deliver training for users
• Manage and analyze sample data; develop result reports for customers and investigators
• Provide guidance and consultation for lab users related to theories, experimental design, instrument and technology operation, and analysis techniques; align methods with research goals; identify and solve analytical challenges to ensure experimental success
• Receive lab supplies and monitor inventory; ensure the efficiency and safety of the research environment; ensure daily lab operations are compliant with University, sponsor, and federal rules and regulations
• Maintain facility systems and applications related to daily operations including scheduling, ordering, and billing activities
• Oversee lab safety including delivering training, developing safety protocols, and maintaining safety and compliance documentation
• Review scientific literature and participate in seminars or workshops to maintain awareness of new technologies; provide input for the testing and adoption of new methods
• Provide input for the development of new services; participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations that advance and extend the core's research capabilities and impact

This is a one -year appointment with excellent possibility for renewal.

Please upload a cover letter and resume at time of application submission. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without restriction.

Workforce diversity, cultural inclusiveness, and employment equity are deeply rooted in Penn State's historic mission. Just as we are committed to being a diverse educational environment, we are also committed to being a diverse working community. As a community, we endeavor to be a mixture of cultural backgrounds, life experiences, individual perspectives, and numerous other characteristics that add variety and vitality to the workplace.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: