"Research Assistant I"

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Suspension of Drexel University's Contribution into 403(b) Retirement Plan

As communicated on Oct. 10, Drexel University is suspending its contributions to employee retirement plans for calendar year 2025 as part of its multi-year plan to build financial resilience. Drexel is continuing to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available for calendar year 2026.

Job Summary

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN Level 1 position is available in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at Drexel University. The Mortensen Lab is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician Level 1 to participate in research investigating molecular mechanisms regulating dopamine signaling and exploring novel therapeutic strategies targeting this system. The successful candidate is a highly organized person with laboratory experience in molecular/cellular techniques and rodent care. This person will help run the lab by ordering and keeping inventory of reagents and lab supplies and ensuring overall lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations. The tech is expected to assist other lab members by performing common laboratory tasks and experiments and taking care of rat colonies.

Essential Functions

• Ordering/inventorying reagents and lab supplies
• Negotiating purchase with vendors
• Taking care of rat colony
• Ensuring overall lab compliance with regulations
• Helping the rest of team members by performing standard cellular/molecular techniques

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in BS in Basic Sciences or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 1-2 years lab experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years lab experience
• Basic knowledge of neuroscience

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $41,120 to $61,680 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: Sep 4 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Oct 4 2025 Eastern Daylight Time