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Job Profile Title
Research Specialist C

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 Research Specialist C to support behavioral animal studies and wet bench research for the Infantile Epilepsies translational research team.

As a Research Specialist C, you will work under the guidance of Research Directors as well as Senior Research Investigators 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 therapies. 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, immunology, and biochemistry techniques including, but not limited to, behavioral assays for mice, simple injections, sample collection, cloning, PCR (primer design and ability to troubleshoot), tissue collection, cell culture, ELISA, western blot, 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.

Qualifications:

• 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 vivo studies with mice, including behavioral assays is strongly preferred.
• Experience with in vitro lab techniques such as mammalian cell/tissue culture, molecular cloning, and qPCR is preferred but not required.
• Must be willing to learn new techniques involving molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry, 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.

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.