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 Summary

The McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Specialist C/D to join our laboratory, and to work in the field of orthopaedic research. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting orthopaedic research, project planning, implementation, analysis, and generating study reports for a number of research projects. This position is contingent on funding.

Job Description

Research Specialist C: Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, biomedical engineering or a related science with 3 to 5 years of technical experience. Experience with molecular biology (RNA/protein isolation, RT_PCR, qPCR, microarray), immunology (ELISAs, immunostaining), histology measures, and matrix composition assays is strongly preferred. Development of related assays will be necessary. Experience writing scientific manuscripts, as well as excellent record keeping, documentation, and communication skills are required. Under some supervision, a successful candidate will analyze and present data at meetings as well as contribute to writing and editing manuscripts. Other duties include working with live animals (mice and rats), handling tissues, maintaining some laboratory equipment, ordering supplies, and keeping a well-organized lab notebook.

Research Specialist D:  Education and experience equivalent to a Master s degree in biological sciences, biomedical engineering (PhD preferred) or a related science with 3 to 5 years of technical experience. A strong background in biology or biomedical engineering or a related field is required. In addition to the Research Specialist C requirements and under minimal supervision, the individual will act as a project lead and senior advisor within the lab, will be responsible for leading some group meetings, and training personnel on a regular basis. He/she will have a strong publication history in a biomedical field. Additionally, he/she will be responsible for creating reports, communicating results, and establishing future study directions. He/she must be able to identify and resolve technical problems and use analytical and decision-making skills to implement assigned projects. 

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.