Research Specialist A

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.

Job Description Summary

The Research Specialist A will assist in the Department of Surgery research endeavors including overseeing ordering of supplies, monitoring lab compliance, booking laboratory conference rooms, research conference rooms, arranging schedules, and assisting the surgical principal investigators on a daily basis. This position will require flexible thinking to assist in tasks as they appear. Bench research experience is not required. Organizational skills are mandatory. Position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in the day-to-day conduct of experiments involving basic and translational research in support of Department of Surgery faculty.
• Participate in and perform experiments in collaboration with primary lab staff.
• Support tissue acquisition and processing of human and animal supplies.
• Support maintaining cell lines, cell culturing, flow cytometry, western blots, DNA and RNA isolations.
• Act as the floor manager for daily operations in 4 Stemmler Hall Department of Surgery Labs.
• Maintain and order capital equipment, maintain warranty and service contract records.
• Schedule routine maintenance of laboratory equipment including centrifuges, freezers, microscopes etc.
• Ordering lab animals and other supplies for faculty labs.
• Daily upkeep of waste/sharp bins, monitor gas levels and maintenance of alarms.
• Organizing research events for the department.
• Scheduling conference rooms for speakers for Resident Research in Progress program and Grand Rounds Speakers as required.
• Booking laboratories and conference rooms for lab meetings.
• Coordinator of the yearly summer Harrison Scholarship program.
• Hosting orientation for new and reoccurring Harrison Scholars.
• Organizing networking events for participants to meet with faculty and staff.
• Performing ongoing evaluations during the program as well as exit interviews.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.