Research Specialist B/C

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.

Job Description Summary

The Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD) is committed to developing therapeutic approaches for genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. The Research Specialist will contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative research program dedicated to developing therapeutic approaches for STXBP1 and SynGAP1 haploinsufficiency.

Research Specialist B duties:

1. Perform primary neuron (cortical, hippocampal) and astrocyte isolation and ex vivo culture from mouse brains.
2. Differentiate and maintain iPSC neuronal cell cultures.
3. Perform compound dosing of primary neurons and mice.
4. Maintain and coordinate genetically modified mouse colonies of Stxbp1 and SynGAP1.
5. Genotype genetically modified mouse models.
6. Harvest tissues from mammalian sources.
7. Assay transcript and protein content from mammalian tissues.
8. Prepare solutions, reagents, and media as needed.
9. Order and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment related to the studies.

Research Specialist C duties:

All duties listed above, plus: Work independently and with team members to manage research projects, data collection and analysis. Identify and resolve technical issues. Oversee aspects of lab organization.

Qualifications

Research Specialist B: Bachelor's Degree in (molecular) biology, neuroscience, (bio)chemistry or related field and 1-2+ year previous laboratory experience required. Willingness to routinely work with mice. Experience with animal models, molecular biology methods, cell culture and protein biochemistry required. Work with iPSC cultures preferred.

Research Specialist C: Bachelor's degree in (molecular) biology, neuroscience, (bio)chemistry or related field and 3-5 years laboratory experience required. Master's degree preferred. Experience with using and maintaining mouse models, molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, immunoblotting) and cell culture required. Primary neuron isolation or iPSC maintenance preferred.