Research Specialist C

Trustees of University of Pennsylvania; Upper Paxton Township (PA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Breast Cancer Translational Research Group at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Research Specialist C to conduct translational preclinical breast cancer research using organoids, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and cell culture systems.

The successful candidate will work with investigators to evaluate experimental therapies, including radiotherapies, and investigate treatment response and mechanisms of cancer cell death.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Position is Contingent upon Grant Funding

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and passage breast cancer PDX models, including tumor implantation, monitoring, tissue collection, cryopreservation, and tracking of model identity and passage history.
• Conduct in vivo treatment studies, including preparation and administration of study compounds, tumor measurements, body weight monitoring, and assessment of treatment response and tolerability.
• Perform animal handling, anesthesia, blood collection, necropsy, and tissue harvesting within approved protocols and institutional training requirements.
• Monitor animal health and study endpoints, maintain accurate animal records, and coordinate with veterinary and animal facility staff.
• Maintain breast cancer cell lines using aseptic technique, including routine culture, expansion, cryopreservation, and quality control.
• Conduct cell‑based experiments to evaluate drug response, proliferation, viability, and mechanisms of cell death.
• Process tumor, blood, and other tissue samples for downstream cellular, molecular, and histologic analyses.
• Plan experiments with investigators, troubleshoot technical problems, optimize protocols, and organize and analyze experimental data.
• Maintain complete laboratory records and sample inventories; prepare figures and summaries for laboratory meetings, reports, and manuscripts.
• Maintain supplies and equipment needed for assigned studies and assist with training laboratory personnel in established methods.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Animal studies

Mammalian cell culture

Education

Bachelor of Science

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 C

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist C

Job Description Summary

The Breast Cancer Translational Research Group seeks a Research Specialist C to conduct translational preclinical breast cancer research using organoids, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and cell culture systems. The successful candidate will work with investigators to evaluate experimental therapies, including radiotherapies, and investigate treatment response and mechanisms of cancer cell death. This position requires hands‑on experience with animal studies and mammalian cell culture, the ability to design and conduct experiments independently, and careful attention to experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility. There is an expectation that the candidate can design entire animal studies with little oversight, including those investigating novel compounds and novel radiotracers. This scientist will work closely with both the PennRad and PennMedicine Biobank teams.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and passage breast cancer PDX models, including tumor implantation, monitoring, tissue collection, cryopreservation, and tracking of model identity and passage history.
• Conduct in vivo treatment studies, including preparation and administration of study compounds, tumor measurements, body weight monitoring, and assessment of treatment response and tolerability.
• Perform animal handling, anesthesia, blood collection, necropsy, and tissue harvesting within approved protocols and institutional training requirements.
• Monitor animal health and study endpoints, maintain accurate animal records, and coordinate with veterinary and animal facility staff.
• Maintain breast cancer cell lines using aseptic technique, including routine culture, expansion, cryopreservation, and quality control.
• Conduct cell‑based experiments to evaluate drug response, proliferation, viability, and mechanisms of cell death.
• Process tumor, blood, and other tissue samples for downstream cellular, molecular, and histologic analyses.
• Plan experiments with investigators, troubleshoot technical problems, optimize protocols, and organize and analyze experimental data.
• Maintain complete laboratory records and sample inventories; prepare figures and summaries for laboratory meetings, reports, and manuscripts.
• Maintain supplies and equipment needed for assigned studies and assist with training laboratory personnel in established methods.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Position is Contingent upon Grant Funding

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$58,506.00 - $67,794.79 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 aft