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.

Posted Job Title

Lab Support Specialist, Manufacturing Sciences &Technology

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

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

Our Vector Core is a state-of-the-art facility which provides vector-related materials and services in support of basic and translational research worldwide, producing vectors in support of IND-enabling research, conduct GLP assays, oversee CMO's in vector production and is expanding to conduct state-of-the art process development.

Due to our program's growth, the Vector Core is looking to add a Lab Support Specialist to provide specialized laboratory assistance to our Manufacturing, Science, and Technology team.

As a Lab Support Specialist, you will coordinate multiple tasks with team members to provide needed supplies for process development activities. Duties include, but not limited to, preparing reagents including buffers, chemicals solutions, complex reaction mixtures and media according to established methods and standard operating procedures (SOP); Maintaining glassware by picking-up, cleaning, washing, autoclaving, and distributing; Performing tasks using aseptic techniques including working within a biological safety cabinet. Participate in the general maintenance of all equipment related to the preparation of assay materials and assist in the monitoring and reporting of equipment conditions. Assist with inventory management of supplies and solvents by placing orders and verifying receipt. You will enhance laboratory organization by taking ownership of new requests.

This position will require you to work on-site during all scheduled working hours and may require some weekend hours as needed to support lab operations. 

Joining GTP offers scientific professionals the unique opportunity of seeing research go from bench to bedside and discoveries that could one day lead to cures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, medical technology or related field with 0-1 years of experience working in a relevant lab or manufacturing setting required. 
• Previous experience working in a GMP/GLP environment preferred, but not required. 
• Highly motivated individual capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$35,568.00 - $57,600.00

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.