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.

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.

Job Description Summary

The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with the great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases.

The laboratory of Dr. Jim Wilson, at GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. We have emerged as the “go-to” organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently, we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.

Continuation of all GTP positions is contingent upon funding.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Research Specialist C, to contribute to life=saving research with our Immunology Discovery Team.

As a Research Specialist, you will be involved in planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments aimed at evaluating the immunogenicity of gene therapy platform technology. You will provide technical support to enable our laboratory to function effectively and will adhere to standard procedures and guidelines. You will perform sample collections, testing, measuring, recording, and analyzing results. You will carry out experiments under the management of a supervising scientist. You will be expected to keep abreast of the work of other scientists within GTP and in the wider scientific community. Research Specialist is expected to keep up to date with external research carried out in their field of study. Research Specialists are expected to read relevant scientific literature and journals, share the results of research with colleagues through presentations and discussions, help in the preparations of presentations and in writing of original manuscripts. 

Qualifications:

• Required: B.A./B.S. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or in adjacent field with strong scientific background and 3-5 years of post degree bench laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, are required.
• Experience conducting immunology research assays and techniques, including flow cytometry, ELISA, mammalian cell culture, ELISPOT, Immunohistochemistry, required
• Ability to learn new techniques.
• Ability to follow existing protocols.
• Ability to develop novel protocols and methods.
• Outstanding interpersonal interaction skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, problem recognition and solving, and organizational skills.
• Prior experience in the field of gene therapy is desirable. 

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$42,953.00 - $77,315.00

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.