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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.

Posted Job Title
iPSC Core Research Specialist C/D

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist C

Job Description Summary

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/

Job Description

The Research Specialist in the induced Pluripotent Stem Cell core will lead the genome engineering effort of hESCs/hiPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9 and other emerging gene editing technology for Core users.  He/she will design, construct and validate all vectors required for each gene editing project; and generate and characterize engineered cell lines with help from junior staff.  Secondly, the Specialist will be engaged in research projects involving differentiation of PSCs into pancreatic cell lineages and skeletal myotubes for modeling diseases. This will include optimization and implementation of differentiation protocols and performing the differentiations.  The Specialist will interact frequently with Core users and collaborators to discuss and present project progress in order to achieve project milestones in a timely manner. This position will also supervise junior staff members who will aid in the experimental aspects of gene editing and differentiation projects. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, conscientious team player who is eager to learn new methodologies.  A research background in pluripotent stem cell biology and/or mammalian development is highly desirable.

Research Specialist D: In addition to the above the Research Specialist D will independently put together short term and long-term project plans; keep up with relevant literature, develop and implement new methodologies related to gene editing and lineage specific differentiation as they emerge; present research results to colleagues and help with preparing manuscripts for publication.

Position contingent upon funding.

Qualifications

Research Specialist C: Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences with at least 3 years of post-degree relevant hands-on laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Research Specialist D:  Master’s degree in the biological sciences with at least 3 years of post-degree relevant hands-on laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. PhD degree with first-author published work highly preferred.

Both positions:

• Must have strong background in molecular biology techniques including restriction enzyme digestion, PCR, qRT-PCR; proficient in nucleic acid analysis software tools for PCR primer design and manipulation of nucleic acid sequences; experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in cell lines or animals highly desirable
• Extensive experience in mammalian cell culture and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) required; experience with hESC/hiPSC culture highly desirable
• Must have excellent written/verbal communication and organizational skills
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and Photoshop software tools

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.