Research Specialist A/B, Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core (RMPC)

Job Description Summary

The Research Specialist A/B is needed for the Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core (RMPC) due to the increased usage of this central Core and a high demand for in vivo studies. The Core also has increased services to include metabolic clamps, indirect calorimetry, telemetry, bomb calorimetry, DEXA, Echo MRI among others, therefore more trained staff are required to meet the additional demands.

Job Description

Job duties: Under limited supervision, take primary responsibility for executing in vivo studies in rodent models for Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core (RMPC) clients from within and outside the University of Pennsylvania.

As Research Specialist A in the Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core:

1. Execute in vivo studies in rodent models for core clients. Clients will include labs from within and outside the University of Pennsylvania. This includes assisting in writing and following protocols, performing techniques properly, helping maintain equipment and data collection, and ensuring that data analysis is performed according to accepted practices.
2. Perform and analyze assays in rodent models: Body composition (NMR; DEXA); CLAMS; treadmill exercise insulin/glucose clamp and radioisotopic tracer kinetics; thermography; BAT thermogenesis; tissue chemistry; ELISA; Glucose and insulin tolerance tests; Mass Spectrometry.
3. Aid the Technical Director in interfacing with companies and Penn IT to troubleshoot equipment and software issues and help with the smooth operation of the core.

As Research Specialist B in the Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core:

1. Expected to perform all duties as Research Specialist A and master all the technical aspects of core assays including metabolic clamps, indirect calorimetry, telemetry, bomb calorimetry, DEXA, EchoMRI, surgery, and other services as needed.

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Qualifications

• Research Specialist A - Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Rodent experience preferred
• Research Specialist B - Bachelor of Science and 1 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Rodent experience required