Lab Coordinator (Tick Research Facility) - Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Penn State University • University Park, IL

9d

About The Position

The new Tick Research Facility within the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Coordinator to support the maintenance and expansion of live laboratory tick colonies for research on vector biology and vector-borne diseases. This position will play a critical role in sustaining genetically diverse tick colonies, supporting experimental work, and ensuring compliance with biosafety and animal care regulations. The successful candidate will demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of laboratory animal science, arthropod containment, and vector biology, applying principles, practices, and procedures to varied and complex work assignments under minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Experience working with live arthropods across multiple life stages
• Experience performing laboratory maintenance activities
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success as a team player
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to make efficient judgments regarding priorities and work largely independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Ability to track, summarize, and report laboratory activities accurately
• Ability to plan and manage time efficiently
• Ability to compile and analyze basic laboratory data
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic laboratory analysis software
• Willingness to work under IACUC-approved protocols and comply with institutional animal care and use requirements
• Ability to complete required animal care, biosafety, and compliance trainings (IACUC, biosafety, occupational health)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or other relevant professional training
• Demonstrated experience handling live animals (e.g., rabbits or other vertebrate laboratory hosts) in a research or animal care setting
• Experience working under IACUC-approved protocols or willingness to obtain required training and certification
• Familiarity with basic animal husbandry, restraint, and monitoring for animal welfare

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and supervise daily operations of multiple live laboratory tick colonies across species and life stages, ensuring colony health, genetic diversity, and experimental integrity.
• Establish, expand, and refine genetically diverse tick colonies derived from field-collected populations, applying specialized knowledge to adapt methodologies and resolve complex colony management challenges.
• Design, implement, and troubleshoot tick feeding procedures on approved vertebrate hosts in accordance with IACUC-approved protocols and institutional standards.
• Apply advanced morphological identification techniques, dissection procedures, molecular methods, and bioassays to support research in tick biology, host–vector interactions, and vector-borne disease ecology.
• Research and implement new or modified approaches when solving novel or technically challenging laboratory or colony-management problems.
• Prepare, coordinate, and distribute regulated arthropod shipments to internal and external collaborators in compliance with federal permits, institutional policies, and biosafety requirements.
• Interpret and apply principles of animal welfare, biosafety, and regulatory compliance associated with BSL2/BSL3-adjacent work.
• Maintain accurate animal use records and contribute to IACUC documentation, renewals, amendments, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with the Penn State Animal Resource Program (ARP), biosafety officers, and compliance personnel to ensure adherence to established procedures.
• Monitor and enforce proper laboratory practices and arthropod containment standards; update SOPs, manuals, and documentation as needed.
• Participate in compliance reviews and implement corrective actions as required.
• Serve as an indirect supervisor and technical mentor to full-time research staff and as a direct supervisor to students, part-time, or temporary personnel as assigned.
• May supervise full-time staff as the facility grows
• Train laboratory personnel in animal handling, tick rearing, feeding procedures, biosafety practices, and laboratory methodologies.
• Promote open communication, foster collaborative working relationships, and apply appropriate strategies for conflict management.
• Interpret and communicate technical information clearly, accurately, and persuasively in written reports and verbal presentations.
• Order laboratory and animal care materials; monitor supply inventories and coordinate service needs for specialized equipment.
• Monitor laboratory budgets, tracking expenditures, validating invoices, and supporting cost containment efforts related to colony maintenance and diagnostic services.
• Contribute to the development of fee structures and billing reconciliation related to tick distribution and laboratory services, as applicable.
• Compile and prepare reports related to laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and project metrics.
• Work with minimal supervision on varied and sometimes difficult assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual or highly specialized matters.
• Set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by the laboratory director.
• Apply specialized knowledge to resolve progressively complex operational, technical, and regulatory challenges.
• Research and evaluate new techniques or procedural improvements to enhance laboratory efficiency and scientific rigor.
• Monitor and implement laboratory environmental sustainability practices, including waste management, arthropod containment disposal, and conservation practices consistent with institutional policies.
• Maintain systematic paper and electronic records in compliance with institutional, regulatory, and funding agency requirements.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level