Research Specialist A/B
Job Description Summary
The primary function of this position is to serve as a research technician with some lab management duties in a neuroscience laboratory studying basal ganglia circuitry and mouse behavior. The role centers on performing head-fixed behavioral experiments, genotyping, and day-to-day lab organization. The technician will also assist with coordination of the mouse colony and general lab operations.
A successful candidate will be highly reliable, well-organized, and comfortable managing recurring responsibilities that are essential for keeping experiments and lab workflows running smoothly. The position requires strong communication skills, good time management, and the ability to work both independently and as a central member of a collaborative team. Commitments longer than 2 years will be viewed favorably.
Job Responsibilities
Research Specialist A
- Head-fixed behavioral assays: training animals, running rigs, troubleshooting sessions, maintaining behavioral records. Because head-fixed behavior often requires regular scheduling, some weekend work may be required, typically on a planned or rotating basis.
- Genotyping: PCR setup, documentation, and organization of multiple transgenic lines.
- Lab management: ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, ensuring equipment organization, interfacing with vendors and core facilities.
- Colony coordination: helping maintain accurate breeding/lineage records, weaning schedules, and communicating colony needs to the team.
The Research Specialist B will perform the same duties listed for the Research Specialist A but will work more independently and will be assigned additional lab management tasks. The Research Specialist B will also be responsible for management of undergraduate student workers.
This position is contingent upon continued sponsored project funding.
Qualifications
- For Research Specialist A: Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- For Research Specialist B: Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Major in biology, neuroscience, or related life sciences, familiarity with PCR, behavioral workflows, or colony management, strong interpersonal skills and ability to contribute positively to lab culture, interest in longer-term commitment to develop deeper technical expertise all strongly preferred.
Job Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$44,500.00 - $61,000.00 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.
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