Research Specialist A/B (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

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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/B (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

The Integrative Immunology and Cell Design Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialist A or B to support our work in immunogenomics, T cell biology, and cell engineering. Our lab employs cutting-edge high-throughput approaches to understand immune cell interactions with antigens. This position is ideal for candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field who are excited to develop their skills in molecular biology, cell culture, and immunology

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Research Specialist A
• Assist in general laboratory operations, including preparation of reagents, media, and buffers.
• Perform basic molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and cloning.
• Conduct routine cell culture, including maintaining primary cells and established cell lines.
• Participate in T cell functional assays and flow cytometry-based experiments under supervision.
• Maintain detailed, up-to-date laboratory records and contribute to lab meetings.
• Assist in maintaining lab equipment and inventory, ensuring smooth operation of research activities.
• Work closely with senior lab members to execute experiments and ensure quality data collection.
  
  
  

Research Specialist B

In addition to all duties outlined for Research Specialist A, the Research Specialist B will:

• Independently design, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments related to T cell engineering and antigen discovery.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, presentations, and grant submissions
  
  
  

Train and mentor junior researchers and students in laboratory techniques.

• Develop and implement new protocols to enhance lab efficiency and research output.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• RS-A: Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. RS-B: Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Masters desired.
• Strong interest in molecular biology, immunology, and/or cell biology.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated with a strong willingness to learn and contribute to the lab’s research goals.
  
  
  

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$43,888.00 - $57,355.40 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

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