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.

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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 Profile Title

Research Specialist A  

Job Description Summary

The Computational Memory Lab at the University of Pennsylvania seeks to recruit a research specialist who is eager to assist research studies contributing towards the development of novel therapies for patients with memory impairment. This position focuses on conducting neural recordings (intracranial EEG and single-neuron) and direct electrical brain stimulation in neurosurgical patient participants to probe and modulate the neural substrates of memory function. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, data scientists, and engineers to carry out research under National Institutes of Health grant funding. The ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal, organizational, and scientific skills and a passion for advanced cutting-edge medical research and technology development. This would be an ideal position for someone interested in ultimately pursuing graduate training in cognitive neuroscience, medicine, or bioengineering, and provides an excellent opportunity to work with clinical researchers, neurologists, and neurosurgeons at top medical research centers across the country. The position requires familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages, and comfort working in a Unix environment, to facilitate data analysis using the lab’s tools. Exceptional candidates will have experience in data analysis and programming. A 2-year commitment is desired. Position is contingent on continued funding. Please see http://memory.psych.upenn.edu for more information about the lab and its projects.  

Job Description

Major responsibilities include: the administration of memory tests and collection of electrophysiological recordings from neurosurgical patients at medical centers in the Philadelphia area and across the country; coordination of experimental studies by interfacing with research staff at leading neuroscience institutions; assisting the research team in processing and analyzing these behavioral and electrophysiological data to produce manuscripts and sponsor reports.  The individual will also assist with regulatory submissions, communicate results to physicians, and perform regular data quality audits.  The individual is expected to be able to work independently with limited oversight to maximize the amount of high-quality data collected.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, bioenginneerng, or related field, and 0 to 1 year of experience.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time and work flexible hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in human subjects research, especially in a clinical setting.
• Familiarity with EEG, MRI, and other relevant technologies.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, R, or other languages, and familiarity with Linux environments.
• A two-year commitment is desired.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter as well as a resume in the CV section of your application.

Working Conditions
Office, Library, Computer Room; Requires extensive safety

Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$35,568.00 - $57,600.00

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.