Research Specialist A / Laboratory Technician

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 44,500 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental benefits

Tuition assistance

Generous retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Professional development resources

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Research Specialist A / Laboratory Technician to join its neuroscience and immunology lab. This role involves performing in vivo and in vitro experiments to study pediatric neurodegenerative diseases and contribute to novel cell therapies. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and ideally some experience in relevant techniques, with a commitment to at least two years in this position. The job offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 0-1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Prior experience in cell/tissue culture, flow cytometry, histology, and immunofluorescence is desired.
• Ideal candidates will be able to commit at least two years to the position.

Responsibilities

• Assist and conduct experiments to meet research project objectives.
• Perform routine duties to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory.
• Conduct experiments to interrogate gene and protein expression.
• Manage mouse colony, including breeding and genotyping.

Skills

Cell/tissue culture

Flow cytometry

Histology

Immunofluorescence

Microscopy

Scientific programming

Mouse handling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Research Specialist A / Laboratory Technician

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 has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes naming 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 / Laboratory Technician

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Frederick Chris Bennett in the Department of Psychiatry is looking for a research specialist to join our basic neuroscience and immunology laboratory, to study a pediatric neurodegenerative disease and develop novel cell therapies to treat neurodegeneration. This is an excellent opportunity to learn a wide array of in vivo, in vitro, and molecular techniques, contribute to cutting-edge research, and help advance the frontiers of neuroimmunology. The Bennett lab values a supportive and collaborative environment. Former trainees mentored by Dr. Bennett have earned publication authorship and successfully transitioned to graduate/medical schools and industry positions.

Job Description

The research specialist will work closely with senior lab members under the supervision of the principal investigator to perform experiments using a combination of molecular biology, histology, biochemistry, cell biology, as well as mouse breeding and husbandry techniques. Prior experience in cell/tissue culture, flow cytometry, histology, immunofluorescence, confocal or fluorescence microscopy, scientific programming, and mouse handling are desired, but not required. The candidate will be expected to work independently, follow experimental protocols, problem solve, and be open to working in a collaborative manner. Ideal candidates will be able to commit at least two years to the position.

• Assists and conducts experiments to meet research project objectives
• Performs routine duties to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory
• Daily management of laboratory tools, documentations, and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables
• Closely collaborates with senior lab members on experimental work set ups in accordance to established protocols.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 0-1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

CONTINGENT UPON GRANT FUNDING.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Responsibility Breakdown

• Perform in vivo experiments, ranging from cellular transplantation, tissue sample collection, dissection, and cell isolation
• Conduct experiments to interrogate gene and protein expression, including by immunostaining, microscopy, flow cytometry, RNAscope, and RNAseq
• Maintain sterile in vitro cell culture practices and perform cell sorting by FACS
• Genetic engineering using molecular cloning techniques (DNA preparation, PCR, ligation, and transformation), CRISPR/Cas9
• Manage mouse colony, including breeding and genotyping
• Prepare stock solutions, aliquot reagents, monitor supplies, autoclave solutions, and maintain biosafety compliance records
• Contribute to general laboratory organization and inventories (as part of a team doing this)
• Keep detailed records of experimental work in a lab notebook
• Analyze flow cytometry, and imaging data
• Represent analyzed data in the form of figures
• Participate in lab journal club and present research progress in lab meetings

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $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. Flexible spending accounts help pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for you, your spouse, and your dependent children. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth option and a range of investment choices.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial time away from work during the year to rest, attend to personal matters, or spend time with family.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Insurance to help cover long-term care services, with favorable terms for newly hired employees.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to help you advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural events, with some opportunities for free or discounted access for employees and families.
• Discounts and Special Services: Deals on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and more.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible options to support work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan programs for eligible employees.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for eligible adoption expenses up to two adoptions per household.

To learn more, please visit: [removed content]

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.

To apply, visit [removed content]

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