Research Specialist A

Job Details

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.

Posted Job Title
Research Specialist A

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary
The Research Specialist A position will work on developing and testing nanotechnologies for the treatment of acute brain illnesses, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. As outlined on our parent lab's website (www.brennerbioengineeringlab.com), our lab packages drugs and gene therapy vectors into nano-scale carriers (~100 nanometers in diameter), and targets them to the organ and cell types of interest using affinity moieties (e.g., antibodies), cell-hitchhiking, and medical devices. We test these in mouse models of acute critical illness, as well as large animal models, and in ex vivo human organs. We often partner with existing companies and spin out our own start-ups, giving the opportunity to gain experience interacting with industry.

Position contingent upon funding.

Job Description

The applicant will perform a broad range of experiments in mouse work, molecular and cell biology, and pharmacology. The methods will include: mouse models of disease followed by organ harvest; histology of mouse organs; flow cytometry of dissociated mouse organs; pharmacological biodistribution experiments (injecting mice with drugs and harvesting organs to determine drug distribution); production of nanoscale drug carriers according to protocols we already have well worked out; behavioral tests to screen for therapeutic outcomes.

The Principal Investigator will design experiments with the applicant, but the applicant will be expected to troubleshoot these procedures as needed. The applicant will also keep accurate notebooks, perform data analysis, and assist in publication preparation. Additional duties will include assisting in experimental design, and participating in general laboratory activities such as lab meetings, ordering, and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• 0-3 years experience in one of the following fields: biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or other related fields.
• It is preferable for the applicant to have experience with mouse work, including minor surgeries and collection of tissues.
• Additional training will be provided as needed, including teaching of the unique aspects of nanomedicine.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$44,500.00 - $53,750.00 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.