Research Technologist - Pathology

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate robust LC-MS/MS methods for small molecule analysis in urine, blood, serum and plasma.
• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for QQQ and QTOF/HRMS platforms; evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• 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.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation to ensure peak performance. Design assay runs independently and manage multiple competing priorities.
• Ensure strict adherence to GLP, GCP, CLSI, and CAP regulatory standards.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Analytical Chemistry (with 5+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).
• OR Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (with 8+ years of clinical/scientific lab experience).
• Technical Expertise: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in LC-MS/MS method development and analysis for biological samples for drugs of abuse.
• Instrumentation: Advanced proficiency with QQQ and/or QTOF/HRMS platforms (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.

Qualifications

• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), specifically EPIC. Deep familiarity with clinical toxicology confirmatory methodologies.

Skills

• Proven ability to work independently, lead project teams, and communicate complex technical findings effectively.
• “CAN-DO” Attitude.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $49,188.00 - $78,444.00.
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for eligible spouses and children.

Pay

$49,188.00 - $78,444.00

Schedule

Not specified