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 Description

The McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking an individual to fill a full time Research Specialist B position. The candidate will assist in coordinating studies on multiple NIH and industrially sponsored projects and perform complex animal studies which require careful attention to detail in an orthopaedic research laboratory. Primary tasks will include maintenance of laboratory equipment, maintenence/troubleshooting of lab computers, software, and peripherals, ordering supplies, and machining custom-made parts/fixtures/jigs. Experiments will include biomechanical testing and analysis, machining custom-made instruments, optimizing data gathering, processing and troubleshooting as needed using Matlab and LabView, running rats on treadmill, performing animal gait analysis experiments on custom-designed system, and acquiring complex motion and ground reaction force data in non-standard manners. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for maintaining some laboratory equipment, ordering supplies, and keeping a well-organized lab notebook. Will be required to carry out higher level responsibilities, including conducting independent research with minimal supervision, assisting with manuscript preparation, conducting literature searches, and leading more junior staff members and students. Position contingent upon funding.

Research Specialist B: Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Biomechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field and 1 to 3 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Experience in machining, use of universal testing frames and coding in Matlab and LabView is desirable but not required. The ability to carry out experiments independently.

Salary is competitive and based on experience with an excellent fringe benefit package.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$36,401.00 - $65,521.00

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.