"Research Specialist A/B"

Job Details

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 A/B

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary
The Geffen laboratory, https://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing/, at the University of Pennsylvania, has an opening for a Research Specialist. We seek a creative, friendly, and responsible individual with an interest in systems neuroscience to join our team. Our laboratory studies the neuronal circuits for sound perception and auditory learning. We also work on mouse models of autism spectrum disorders with a focus on auditory sensitivity.
Our laboratory is a close-knit community of energetic scientists striving to help one another while exploring the mysteries of the brain. Our trainees have won numerous awards and have been awarded government and private foundation grants. The systems neuroscience community at the University of Pennsylvania is top-notch and highly collaborative, and our lab members will have opportunities to engage in interdepartmental initiatives, including MindCore, MINS, and CNI. Penn has a gorgeous campus and offers many cultural activities. Philadelphia is a beautiful city with world-class music, food, and entertainment.

Job Description
The Research Specialist A/B will conduct research and provide technical support to several projects using electrophysiological, optogenetic, imaging, and/or behavioral methods in rodents. The position requires basic knowledge of neuroscience, biology, and chemistry. Responsibilities include behavioral training of rodents, assisting with electrophysiological, optogenetic, and imaging experiments, cryopreservation and immunohistochemistry of brain tissue, organizing and maintaining laboratory logs and data, and performing general laboratory maintenance. Ability to keep accurate records and excellent organizational skills are essential.
Research Specialist B
Conducted laboratory research, troubleshot problems, analyzed data, designed new research experiments and publications, and prepared presentations. Participate in lab management, help support lab setup and operations, and oversee ordering, organization, and maintenance of reagents, equipment, and protocols. Train and supervise other lab members as needed, providing scientific and technical expertise and guidance for ongoing projects. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
The position is contingent on continued funding. The Department is not sponsoring a visa.

Qualifications
Research Specialist A:
A Bachelor's degree in life sciences or psychology, along with 0 to 1 year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Must have strong organizational skills, good written and verbal communication skills, the ability to learn new techniques and analytical methods, and the ability to be a reliable and enthusiastic team player. Training and mentoring will be provided.
Research Specialist B:
A Bachelor's Degree and 1 to 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. All qualifications for Research Specialist A, plus 2 years of experience in laboratory research, are preferred. Master's degree preferred. Must have strong organizational skills, good written and verbal communication skills, the ability to learn new techniques and analytical methods, and the ability to be a reliable and enthusiastic team player. Training and mentoring will be provided—the ability to troubleshoot experiments is expected.
Working Conditions: Office, Library, Computer Room: Requires extensive safety training and/or requires protective devices, Exposure to Chemicals. Physical Effort: Typically sitting at a desk or table, occasionally standing and walking, and intermittently sitting, standing, and stooping. Occasionally lifting 25 pounds or less.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$44,500.00 - $57,335.40 Annual Rate

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.