Research Specialist A

University of Pennsylvania; Kirkkonummi; On-site; EUR 38,969 - 43,786; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is seeking a Research Specialist A to contribute to efforts aimed at near-term cancer cures. The role focuses on molecular and cellular studies of breast/ovarian cancer, using cell culture, mouse models, and organoids to understand therapy responses.

The position involves hands-on lab work, assay development, data interpretation, and collaboration with senior researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Good communication skills and maintaining a schedule to meet predetermined deadlines.
• Strong desire to broaden research experience.
• Experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques involving cell culture, protein extraction, agarose, and polyacrylamide gel techniques.
• Experience working with animals or radiopharmaceuticals is not required but would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments related to molecular basis of cancer and assist translational experiments for new therapies.
• Assist with general laboratory organization and inventories as part of a team.
• Perform autoradiography for radiotracer evaluation and planned radiotherapy program.
• Assist experiments using human and animal model systems, including animal care.
• Organize undergraduate assistants, participate in group discussions, analyze results.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Autoradiography

Job description

Research Specialist A

We want to find a near term cure for breast cancer within the next 5 years. We are looking for an energetic and talented additional team member to help us with that goal.

The laboratory studies breast and ovarian cancer with the goal of predicting response to therapy and developing new therapies (test new drug candidates). We use cell culture and mouse models and organoids to probe the cellular, molecular pathways important for breast/ovarian cancer response.

Job Responsibilities

• The laboratory technician will be responsible for conducting experiments related to the molecular basis of cancer and assist with translational experiments that will lead to new therapies and clinical trials.
• Contributing to general laboratory organization and inventories (as part of a team doing this).
• Performing autoradiography for new radiotracer evaluation and a planned radiotherapy program.
• Assisting with experiments using both human and animal model systems, including providing and documenting animal care.
• Organizing the efforts of undergraduate assistants, participating in scheduled scientific discussions, and assisting with the analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
• Collaborating with senior lab members and the PI for molecular and genetic experiments, including reagent preparation, cell culture, RNA and DNA extractions, PCR, qPCR, and second and third generation genetic sequencing.
• Developing and mastering complex scientific approaches that are broadly applicable to scientific research.
• Maintaining accurate, detailed notes and conveying research findings at group lab meetings.

Responsibility Breakdown: Assist with the patient‑derived xenograft program, autoradiography, place orders, manage inventories and organize deliveries, maintain laboratory organization, provide assistance with experiments, perform additional duties as assigned.

This is a fully on site position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Good communication skills and maintaining a schedule to meet predetermined deadlines.
• Strong desire to broaden research experience.
• Experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques involving cell culture, protein extraction, agarose, and polyacrylamide gel techniques.
• Experience working with animals or radiopharmaceuticals is not required but would be a plus.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $50,000.00 Annual Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre‑tax dollars.
• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn’s exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre‑tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long‑Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long‑term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long‑term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work‑life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work‑life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you’ll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non‑traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay