Research Specialist A/B
University of Pennsylvania

University OverviewThe 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 TitleResearch Specialist A/BJob Profile TitleResearch Specialist BJob Description SummaryAs a key member of our team, you will play an integral part in advancing our research, particularly in large animal models. The ideal candidate will not only be comfortable handling large animals and processing their tissues but will also embrace the challenges of this research with a problem-solving mindset.

Our research often requires the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, particularly during high-stress situations such as large animal surgeries or intricate experimental setups. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, a quick learner, engaged with the entire team to troubleshoot issues, and willing to take initiative to ensure our experiments are successful. If you are a team player with a passion for scientific discovery and enjoy contributing to a diverse and dynamic laboratory environment, we invite you to apply and be part of our growing research efforts.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while managing the day-to-day operations of a busy and innovative laboratory. If you are a self-motivated individual with a passion for research and animal care, we encourage you to apply. This position is contingent upon funding acquisition.Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Research Specialist A:

• Large animal care, management, and handling in order to ensure ethical and humane treatment (including occasional weekend care for animals). Large animal anesthesia and sterile operations during surgical and experimental procedures

• Collect and process biological specimens with sterile cell culture procedures

• Perform brain tissue processing including isolation, fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining, imaging, and quantification

• Make stock solutions, aliquot reagents, monitor supplies, autoclave solutions, and ensure laboratory safety compliance

• Assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in conducting their experiments

• Keep detailed and accurate records of experimental work in a lab notebook

• Analyze experimental data with rigorous methods

• Create clear and informative figures

• Collaborate and communicate effectively, respectfully, and constructively with the research team to support project goals

• Occasionally lift and manage animals, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Ensure safety oversight and compliance with biosafety protocols

• Coordinate supply ordering and maintain inventory to ensure smooth lab operations

• Oversee and maintain safety standards in the laboratory including chemical storage, waste management, and safety equipment

• Prepare and maintain lab documentation including compliance records, experimental protocols, and safety certifications

• Participate in lab management and help support lab set up and operations, oversee ordering, organization and maintenance of reagents, equipment, and protocols.
• Train and supervise other lab members as needed, provide scientific and technical expertise and guidance for other ongoing projects
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Research Specialist B:

• All duties as described above

• Read and assess the scientific literature to aid in the interpretation of data, communicating findings with written reports, and design new research experiments
• Train and supervise other lab members as needed, provide scientific and technical expertise and guidance for other ongoing projects
• Complete other duties as they are assigned

Qualifications

Research Specialist A

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Ideal candidates will have previous experience with animal handling, surgery, and histology. Proficiency in brain tissue processing and imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience in a research setting is preferred.

Research Specialist B

• Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Ideal candidates will have previous experience with large animal handling (preferably pigs), sterile surgery, and histology. Proficiency in brain tissue processing and imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience in a research setting is preferred.

Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolPerelman School of MedicinePay Range$43,888.00 - $59,485.48 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.

Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check 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

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