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 .
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 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. “CAN-DO” Attitude.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), specifically EPIC .
Deep familiarity with clinical toxicology confirmatory methodologies.
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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 $49,188.00 - $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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