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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Position Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented, highly motivated part-time Research Assistant to join our movement disorder team at Penn State and assist with the inventory and management of post-mortem brain tissue samples. The individual will be expected to support a variety of research activities related to the processing, cataloging, and updating of critical neuropathological data. This position requires expertise in neuropathological tissue handling, specifically brain autopsy tissue, with a focus on ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the inventory and cataloging of post-mortem brain tissue samples, including both frozen (unfixed) and formalin-fixed samples.
• Identify and document the current state of fixed tissue samples and follow standardized procedures for these alongside frozen liquid biosamples.
• Support the maintenance of accurate records for brain samples and collaborate with the team to ensure consistency of research records.
• Provide assistance with future tissue dissections related to approved collaborative research proposals and projects.
• Contribute to the expansion of the brain tissue bank by supporting new initiatives, participating in future brain retrieval efforts, and providing neuropathologic expertise to foster collaboration and resource sharing with potential collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Prior experience in brainbanking or tissue sample inventory management.
• Familiarity with data management software and systems used in clinical or research settings.
• Knowledge of best practices in the ethical handling and storage of human tissue samples.

Work Schedule:
This is a part-time position (up to 24 hours per week) with flexible scheduling based on research needs.

• Inventory & Cataloging: 50%
• Record Updates (Neuropathological Examination): 25%
• Data Management/Sample Data Integrity: 20%
• Supporting future research proposals, tissue dissections, collaborative tasks: 5%

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance