Research Specialist A/B

Research Specialist A/B

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

COVID-19 vaccination or a University authorized exemption is a requirement for all positions at the University of Pennsylvania. For more information about Penn's vaccine requirements, visit the Penn COVID-19 Response website for the latest information.

Posted Job Title
Research Specialist A/B

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary
The Research Specialist A or B will play a vital role in assisting the principal investigator with laboratory management duties. The successful candidate will be responsible for organizing lab space, managing lab protocols, ordering supplies and equipment, as well as maintaining accurate documentation of all laboratory activities. In addition, the Research Specialist A or B will support post-doctoral fellows and graduate students in the performance of in vitro and in vivo experiments, specifically those involving molecular biology, cell culture, and flow cytometry.

Job Description

Key responsibilities for this position include conducting molecular biology work, such as RNA and DNA extraction, plasmid preparations, lentiviral/retroviral vector work, and harvesting. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess experience with next-generation sequencing, including the preparation of clone libraries, conducting sequencing reactions, and analyzing data. Familiarity with preparing sequencing instrumentation for operation is also preferred.
The successful applicant will be expected to facilitate and expedite existing projects in the lab, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and perform/support additional in vitro and in vivo experiments. This will include but is not limited to the preparation and staining of samples for flow cytometry, performance of immunofluorescence microscopy, and animal work, including intravenous injections, bleeding, and harvesting of tumors.

In addition to the above the Research Specialist B will perform tumor engraftment, T cell administration, imaging and surgical procedures. Assist the principal investigator in the management of the laboratory, including organization of the lab space, placing orders, managing protocols, equipment, supplies, software and documentation. Will have less supervision and will need to use more independent judgment in their day to day activities.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in similar laboratory roles, possess good troubleshooting skills, and be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail are essential.
If you are a motivated individual who is excited about working in a fast-paced research environment and contributing to cutting-edge scientific projects, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Qualifications

• Research Specialist A - Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Research Specialist B -Bachelor of Science and 2-3 years of experience in immunology, tissue culture, flow cytometry, mouse work and related disciplines or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Previous lab experience in areas of immunology and cancer preferred
• Strong background and demonstrated experience in T cell immunology and flow cytometry.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong experience working on research teams and directly participating in research studies.
• Strong multitasking abilities and an extremely high-level of reliability and dependability.
• Excellent organizational record keeping skills are necessary
• Ability to develop and maintain multiple internal and external relationships regarding research

Targeted Minimum Starting Salary:

Research Specialist A: $50,000

Research Specialist B: $57,335

This Targeted Pay is only applicable to this job posting. All salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$36,368.00 - $50,522.66
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
  
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
  
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
  
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
  
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
  
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
  
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
  
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
  
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
  
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
  
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
  

​

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay


To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Smilow-Center-for-Translational/Research-Specialist-A-B_JR00068960



jeid-c45edfc0a4ce364195fa4bbd0f55a7f2