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Posted Job Title

Research Specialist B/C/D (Infectious Diseases Division of Emergency Medicine)

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist B

Job Description Summary

The Research Specialist B/C/D will work as part of a translational HIV research lab, with a focus on understanding how HIV persists through antiretroviral therapy and how we can improve HIV cure strategies. The candidate will process human and animal biospecimens and perform HIV sequencing, cloning, and phenotypic testing, requiring both molecular virology and tissue culture skills. The position leads research projects in collaboration with the PI and will supervise graduate and undergraduate students. Duties include laboratory oversight and management tasks, including staff/student training and supply and data management; developing SOPs and supporting regulatory compliance; processing human and animal biospecimens; performing molecular techniques; supporting laboratory maintenance and record keeping, and other duties as assigned.

Job Description

The Infectious Diseases Division within the Department of Medicine is seeking a full time Research Specialist B/C/D to work as part of Dr. Katharine Bar's translational HIV research lab, with a focus on understanding how HIV persists through antiretroviral therapy and how we can improve HIV cure strategies. The candidate will process human and animal biospecimens, perform HIV sequencing, cloning, and phenotypic testing, requiring both molecular virology and tissue culture skills. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Specialist will also be responsible for various day-to-day study operations including maintaining study databases, compliance with all IRB and regulatory documentation, and assisting with the preparation of materials to disseminate study results as needed. Experienced candidates will have the opportunity to work closely with and provide supervision of graduate and undergraduate students based on experience and interest. The Research Specialist should also be able to work closely with external partners, such as collaborating scientists and laboratories.

DUTIES:

Research Specialist B

• Virus sequencing and sequence analysis, in collaboration with bioinformaticians.
• HIV-1 env and full-length virus cloning
• Virus isolate generation
• Virus replication and entry experiments
• Perform processing of human and animal biospecimens, including blood and tissues.
• Perform molecular techniques including: PCR, DNA isolation from bacteria and viruses, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, assay development.
• Perform sequence analyses and sequence data management
• General laboratory duties including: reagent preparation, ordering supplies, basic lab cleaning and maintenance.
• Present data at internal and external meetings
• Maintaining a daily lab notebook
• Organizing specimens in a laboratory inventory management system
• Attend research team meetings

Research Specialist C

• Manage and oversee the work of students and research assistants
• Maintain relationships and collaborate with external partners and community organizations
• Maintain regulatory compliance and IRB documentation
• Draft figures and contribute to manuscript and grant development

Research Specialist D

• Design, perform and analyze molecular virology experiments, including sequencing, cloning, and infectivity assays
• Perform cell culture based assays to assess virus phenotype
• Analyze, synthesize, generate figures and communicate results of experiments
• Supervise graduate and post-doctoral students

***Position contingent upon funding***

Qualifications

• Candidates must be detail-oriented with excellent communication and interpersonal skills including when working closely students; ability to multi-task; and flexibility to shift focus between multiple projects as needed.
• Strong computer skills are essential.

RS-B

• Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience with molecular virology and sequencing is preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

RS-C

• Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with molecular biology and sequencing. HIV research experience preferred but not required.

RS-D

• A Master's degree and 3-5 years of research experience is required; PhD preferred. Experience with molecular biology and sequencing is required.
• Experience working with viruses in cell culture strongly preferred. Experience processing biospecimens, including blood and tissues is preferred.
• Prior experience working with viruses and BSL II agents is preferred. HIV research experience preferred.
• Applicants with prior publications and presentations in biomedical science preferred.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$50,000.00 - $89,106.16 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.