About the role#
This co-op position supports the Huck CSL Behring Fermentation Facility. You will work under the guidance of facility staff to learn and apply fundamental principles of microbial fermentation and bioprocessing. This role is open only to students currently enrolled in the MBIOT program.
What you'll do#
- Support daily operations and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Prepare buffers, microbial nutrient media, and stock solutions.
- Participate in bioprocessing activities, including fermentation and separation processes like cell lysis, centrifugation, and filtration.
- Perform purification of bio-based products using FPLC and conduct analytical procedures.
- Maintain accurate records and clearly present experimental results.
- Complete PSU-EHS laboratory safety training.
- Undergo training on equipment and techniques, including bioreactors, biomass processing, and chromatography systems.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in the MBIOT program.
- Strong laboratory experience with microbial fermentation.
- Proficiency in media preparation and aseptic conditions.
- Experience using a biosafety cabinet for microbial culturing.
- Familiarity with various scales of equipment, from shake flasks to benchtop bioreactors.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to follow protocols and record laboratory notes in an organized fashion.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office for data analysis.
Location & details#
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania.
- Term: Winter 2027 (Spring semester).
- Hours: 30 to 40 hours per week.
- Compensation: $15.00 per hour.
- Modality: On-site, hybrid, or remote options may be available, though approval is not guaranteed.
About Penn State University
Penn State University is an educational institution founded in 1855. It operates 24 campuses and serves a student body of nearly 88,000 people. The university focuses on education and research. It is based in University Park, Pennsylvania.
How to get in at Penn State University
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