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 Profile Title

Research Specialist C  

Job Description Summary

Plans and conducts complex experiments to meet research project objectives. Performs laboratory experiments and clinical studies for product or material formulation and development. Oversee overall management of laboratory tool, documentations and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables. Closely collaborates with content experts to select assessment instruments. adapt existing instruments and develop new instruments and with Principal Investigator (PI) on experimental/clinical work set ups in accordance to established protocols. Responsible for team performance management and reviews  

Job Description

The candidate will work in the Microbiology Department in the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM). Our major goals are to increase scientific knowledge in viral infection and immunity fields. Our research is carried out using human and insect models. The candidate will perform a variety of tasks to maintain the laboratory including the production of virus stocks, viral tittering and preparation of reagents for cell culture. In addition, the candidate will perform a variety of viral infection assays, including drug testing and RNAi depletion of host factors, viral tittering, qPCR and immunoblots to monitor viral infection. The ability to perform
other basic molecular assays such as protein and DNA gel electrophoresis and western blotting is essential. The candidate must be capable of maintaining articulate documentation of daily tasks and possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

The research requires basic knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines including molecular and cell biology, virology, immunology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. Our major goals are to increase scientific knowledge in human autoimmunity and viral immunity fields. Research performed ranges from basic research to conducting pre-clinical research. Our research is carried out using human and non-human primate blood and organs. Research Specialist will be involved in planning, conducting and analyzing experiments aimed to evaluate the immune response to autoantigens and viruses. Research specialist will perform experiments related to the analyses of T and B cell immune responses in animal models including human samples. These studies involve tissue processing, isolation of lymphocytes, immunological assays, flow cytometry, cell sorting and molecular biology techniques such as: PCR, single cell PCR and RNAseq sample preparation. Research Specialist will carry out experiments independently or under the supervision of the lab PI or postdoctoral associates. Availability after standard working hours or on weekends is required. Both positions are contingent on funding.

Research Specialist C: independently design, perform and plan assigned experiments, develop standard protocols and troubleshoots experiments; analyze and interpret results including statistical analysis. Read relevant scientific literature and journals, share the results of research with colleagues through presentations and discussions, help in preparations of presentations and in writing of original manuscripts.

Research specialist C will independently design, perform and plan assigned experiments, develop standard protocols and troubleshoots experiments; analyze and interpret results including statistical analysis. Read relevant scientific literature and journals, share the results of research with colleagues through presentations and discussions, help in preparations of presentations and in writing of original manuscripts.

This position is contingent on funding.

Qualifications

B.A./B.S in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or in adjacent field and at least 3-5 years of post-degree bench laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.

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

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.