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Posted Job Title

Enrichment Technician

Job Profile Title

Technician, Animal Laboratory

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 grant funding.

Job Description

The Program for Comparative Medicine (PCM) facilitates the translation of basic science knowledge into clinical applications by using state-of-the-art facilities to conduct discovery research and nonclinical studies in small and large animal models. The mission of the PCM is to facilitate and support high quality gene therapy research by providing a comprehensive program for humane and ethical animal care and use to enhance the health and well-being of animals and humans.

Due to continued growth of our program, we are searching for a new Enrichment Technician to contribute to the psychological well-being, research technical support, husbandry and care transportation of laboratory animals, including but not limited to nonhuman primates, dogs, and cats.

As a Enrichment Technician, you will follow the program for psychological well-being of nonhuman primates by performing behavioral assessments, implementing enrichment programs, and conducting behavioral training and modifications.  You will also support GTP's discovery and preclinical research programs conducted in laboratory animals for evaluation of novel gene therapies. You will provide behavioral training and modification for animals that will be used experimental procedures. You will perform daily husbandry and care for the nonhuman primates as well as assess and maintain security of animals in their primary enclosure. All of this will be while you adhere to all local, state, federal and University regulations, guidelines and policies as it pertains to the ethical animal care and use. 

You will be required to participate in an occupational safety and health program which will require tuberculin testing and potentially immunization. Weekend work and overtime hours are a requirement of this position. May be designated as essential personnel during a storm/natural disaster.  

Qualifications:

- High School Diploma and one of the following:  (1) 3 years of animal husbandry or related animal care experience or (2) certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), (3) experience with behavioral assessment and implementation of environmental enrichment programs in nonhuman primates.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.  
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.  
- Must have the ability to work with nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species without jeopardizing the health status of the animals.  GTP maintains ABSL 2 facilities
ability to perform job duties while wearing respiratory protection may be required.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$17.58 - $31.65

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.