Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

The Wan Lab at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to join our team studying basic mechanisms of gene regulation and how their dysregulation contributes to cancer and developmental disease. Specifically, we employ multidisciplinary approaches to understand how chromatin-associated factors and their aberrant assemblies influence chromatin function and gene regulation at the molecular level, and how these mechanisms control cell fate during development and tumorigenesis. We are also actively leveraging these insights to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

This position offers an exceptional training opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a cutting-edge laboratory environment. The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, senior postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other lab members to support multiple ongoing projects, particularly those focused on biomolecular condensates, chromatin and transcriptional regulation, and developmental epigenetics.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior lab members with ongoing projects
• Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, RT-qPCR, cloning, plasmid construction, and CRISPR-based functional screens
• Execute cell biology and imaging assays including immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Contribute to epigenomic and genomic studies including next-generation sequencing sample preparation and related workflows
• Support stem cell and developmental biology projects including culture and differentiation of iPSCs
• Assist with mouse colony maintenance including breeding setup, genotyping, record keeping, and coordination with animal facility staff
• Maintain accurate, organized, and reproducible records of experimental procedures, results, sample inventories, and data analyses
• Participate in laboratory maintenance including ordering supplies, inventory management, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance