Research Specialist B (Biomedical Sciences)

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 primary purpose of this position is for an experienced individual to manage the lab's genetically modified mouse colony and provide support for lab projects that require mouse work & functional in-vivo experimentation. This will involve the maintenance and genotyping of transgenic mice in the lab by way of tail/ear clipping, DNA extraction, and genotyping, among other skills. This will also require expertise in animal experimentation, prior or learned, such as orthotopic/subcutaneous transplantation, tail vein injections, oral gavage, and else. Previous, significant, experience in mouse handling is required as is the ability to maintain an online electronic database of mice housed in the lab's colony. In addition, the candidate is expected to perform cell culture and basic molecular biology (ex: DNA//RNA extractions, qRT-PCR, and microscopy) in support of research members of the group, including the PI, postdocs, and graduate students. Last, this position comes with flexibility in terms of intellectual engagement and further career advancement. Namely, the candidate is free to explore independent research and/or learn additional techniques employed by the lab to grow. For example, the lab has extensive experience in developing novel genomics-based approaches (e.g. sequencing, at bulk and single-cell resolution), which the candidate may benefit from learning.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the lab's genetically modified/engineered mouse colony
• Assist in the execution of mouse experiments such as cancer cell transplantation, therapeutic treatment, and else
• Support lab projects by performing basic molecular biology and cell culture techniques
• Support lab projects by closing interacting and assisting other lab members (e.g. postdocs and graduate students)
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience in establishing detailed records and databases of mice in colony.
• Proficiency in cell culture and basic molecular biology approaches (ex: DNA/RNA purification, mini/maxi preps, cloning, etc.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Optional Qualifications (to be learned on the job)

• Experience in Next Generation Library generation techniques.
• Experience in small animal surgical techniques

This position is contingent upon grant funding.

Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School: School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements: Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits: Details on health, life, flexible spending accounts, tuition, retirement, time away from work, long-term care insurance, wellness resources, professional development, and more can be found at the provided link.