Research Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 44,500 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Philadelphia seeks a Research Specialist to join Dr. Kara Bernstein's lab focused on DNA repair. Candidates will utilize techniques like live-cell imaging and PCR in a collaborative environment. A Bachelor of Science is required, with preference for candidates with lab experience and knowledge of biochemistry. This role offers an annual salary between $44,500 and $54,000, along with comprehensive benefits including healthcare and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent education required.
• One to two years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience with S. cerevisiae, biochemistry, or tissue culture is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Order laboratory supplies and maintain equipment.
• Prepare buffers and conduct DNA/protein preparations.
• Perform live cell imaging and data analysis.
• Assist with filing research grants.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Motivated to learn

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Fluorescent microscopy

PCR

Gel scanners

Balancing scales

Job description

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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023. 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

Research Specialist

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

A research technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Kara Bernstein in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. We provide a fun, exciting, and interactive atmosphere with great opportunities for scientific advancement. We use live‑cell imaging, genetic, biochemical, and molecular biological approaches to study mechanisms of DNA repair and recombination. This position requires the technician to learn new procedures, including DNA and protein blotting, fluorescent microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction. Must be able to learn how to prepare buffer solutions, maintain accurate notebooks, and operate/maintain laboratory equipment, including gel scanners, pH meters, balances, thermocyclers, and power supplies. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are a must. Candidate must be highly motivated to learn, detail‑oriented, able to prioritize multiple tasks, and to work semi‑independently. Position is contingent on continued grant funding.

Job Responsibilities

• General laboratory duties: ordering laboratory supplies, learn to accurately prepare buffers and help to maintain laboratory equipment in good working order.
• Employing general molecular techniques including: agarose gel electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, DNA and protein preparations, and fluorescent microscopy.
• Live cell fluorescent microscopy and data analysis.
• Pouring plates and use of robotic pinner for genome‑wide screening.
• Assisting in administrative duties for filing and compiling research grants.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• One to two years of experience working in a laboratory preferred.
• Preference given to individuals with experience working with S. cerevisiae, biochemistry, or tissue culture.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $54,000.00 Annual Rate. Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

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 Apply

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Biomedical-Research-Building-2/Research-Specialist_JR00117547-1