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.

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. Penn is rich in tradition and heritage and at the same time consistently at the forefront of new developments and innovations in medical education and research. Since its founding in 1765 the School has been a strong presence in the community and prides itself on educating the leaders of tomorrow in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education. http://www.med.upenn.edu/

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.

We are currently looking Research Specialist C, to support research efforts in next generation capsid engineering/vector discovery.

As a Research Specialist C, you will work under the guidance of a Senior Scientist to collaboratively plan experiments. You will independently conduct assays and be able to perform analysis of the results directed towards the development of new gene therapy methods. You will provide aid in the preparation of presentations and writing of original manuscripts. You will be expected to keep a detailed, organized lab notebook. You will stay abreast of the work of the scientist within GTP as well as external research being conducted in the field.

Studies will involve both in vitro and in vivo molecular biology, protein engineering, immunology, and biochemistry techniques including but not limited to cloning, PCR (primer design and ability to troubleshoot), tissue collection, cell culture, plasmid purification, and flow cytometry.

Joining GTP offers you the unique opportunity of seeing research go from bench to bedside and discoveries that could one day lead to cures.

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 required.

Experience with in vitro lab techniques such as mammalian cell/tissue culture, molecular cloning, and qPCR is required

Must be willing to learn new techniques involving molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry/engineering, virology, immunology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology.

Must have the ability to follow existing and ability to develop novel protocols and methods; Outstanding interpersonal interaction skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, problem recognition and solving, and organizational skills required.

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.