Research Specialist A

University of Pennsylvania; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life, and flexible spending

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Research Specialist A to join the Marin Lab in the Perelman School of Medicine. You will gain hands-on training in molecular biology, CRISPR-based approaches, sequencing, flow cytometry, and related mammalian cell culture methods under the supervision of Dr.

Alberto Marin. You will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation while developing technical and critical-thinking skills for a career in biomedical research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field and 0–1 year of experience required.
• Previous laboratory research experience preferred in molecular/cell biology.
• Self-discipline, communication skills and scientific curiosity.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform and develop proficiency in mammalian tissue culture and basic molecular biology.
• Assist with experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation under PI guidance.
• Maintain detailed lab records and organize research data.
• Help establish and operate a new research laboratory, including inventories.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Laboratory research

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

Research Specialist A

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 A

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

How do chromatin architecture and dynamics regulate the stability of the genome and epigenome? How is this relationship altered in cancer, and how can we exploit it to develop better therapies? The newly established Marin Lab (www.themarinlab.com), located in the Department of Cancer Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, aims to address these questions. We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Research Specialist A to join our team.

Our lab combines molecular biology, optogenetics, CRISPR-based approaches, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and genetic approaches in mammalian cell culture models. Under the supervision of Dr. Alberto Marin, the Research Specialist A will receive hands‑on training in these techniques and apply them to investigate mechanisms of genome maintenance relevant to cancer. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation, while developing the technical and critical‑thinking skills necessary for a future career in biomedical research. A minimum two‑year commitment is strongly preferred to allow sufficient time for training and meaningful contributions to ongoing projects.

As a member of a newly established laboratory, the Research Specialist A will also play an important role in setting up and maintaining laboratory operations. Responsibilities will include ordering reagents and supplies, maintaining laboratory inventories, organizing shared resources, and assisting with equipment maintenance and general laboratory organization. The candidate will be expected to maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, carefully organize and manage research data, and contribute to a collaborative, efficient, and productive research environment.

Job Description

• Perform and develop proficiency in experimental techniques, such as mammalian tissue culture, basic molecular biology and next‑generation sequencing.


• Assist with experimental design, troubleshooting, data collection, analysis, and interpretation under the guidance of the PI.


• Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized experimental records, including laboratory notebooks, protocols, and research data.


• Assist with the establishment and day‑to‑day operation of a newly established research laboratory. This includes ordering reagents and laboratory supplies, maintaining inventories and monitoring stock levels.


• Prepare reagents, solutions, and materials required for routine laboratory experiments.


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field & 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.


• Previous laboratory research experience, preferably in molecular or cell biology.


• Self‑discipline, communication skills and scientific curiosity.


• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques is preferred but not required.

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$45,278.00 - $50,000.00 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 learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment 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.