"Research Specialist C/D"

Job Description Summary

Plans and conducts complex research activities to advance project objectives. Oversees study documentation and processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion of deliverables. Collaborates with investigators on study design, selection or adaptation of assessment tools, implementation of research methods, and laboratory experiments. May be responsible for research team performance management.

Job Description

A research specialist position is available in the Folkert lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated individual with a background in cell biology and/or immunology to work in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, students, residents, and/or graduate students to study the immune response to peritoneal surface malignancies, including appendix cancer, colon cancer, and peritoneal mesothelioma. A successful candidate would be detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to work independently to lead scientific progress in the lab in conjunction with the Principal Investigator. Training and/or expertise in computational biology, including single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics is preferred. This position will be an excellent opportunity to gain experience performing basic and translational research using patient-derived specimens and mouse models of cancer. The research specialist will have significant independence to drive and lead projects in the lab, with the goal of publication in high-impact journals, and the chance to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.

The successful candidate will perform a broad range of routine laboratory tests and procedures to support medical and scientific research. Performs experiments and basic cell biology and immunology techniques, including cell culture, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry and histology. Collects specimens from the operating room and processes them for downstream assays including cell culture, RNA extraction, sequencing and flow cytometry. Performs mouse experiments including tumor transplants, tumor volume measurements and drug treatments. Works to develop a slice culture and organoid model from human tumor specimens. Assists the Principal Investigator and other researchers with experiments and provides laboratory support through preparation of media and reagents, equipment upkeep, supply ordering, inventory, and overall lab organization. This role is ideal for individuals with prior laboratory experience who are passionate about basic and translational tumor immunology, are driven, independent, and eager to expand their technical and scientific skills.

Research Specialist C Job Responsibilities:

• Design and carry out experiments independently to meet research project objectives.
• Conduct laboratory research, troubleshoot problems, analyze data, design new research experiments along with research publications, and prepare presentations.
• Processing samples, including collecting samples from the operating room and processing for downstream applications. Preparation and shipping of samples when needed.
• Collect blood or tissue samples from patients.
• Maintaining a detailed log/database of collected specimens.
• Maintain and passage cell cultures.
• Optimize novel in vitro culture systems, including slice culture and organoid models.
• Perform murine tumor transplants, tumor volume measurements and drug treatments.
• Provide scientific and technical guidance for ongoing projects.
• Train and supervise other lab members as needed, provide scientific and technical expertise and guidance for other ongoing projects.
• Maintain organized laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Maintain inventory of lab supplies, order supplies, oversee general laboratory maintenance and safety compliance
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Research Specialist D Job Responsibilities:

• Plan and carry out experiments to achieve short and long-term research goals for the lab developed in collaboration with the primary investigator.
• Independently conduct laboratory research, including the design and execution of experiments, troubleshoot problems, analyze data and prepare figures for publication based on data generated, design future experiments based on goals and preliminary data, draft manuscripts based on data generated.
• Processing samples, including collecting samples from the operating room and processing for downstream applications. Preparation and shipping of samples when needed.
• Collect blood or tissue samples from patients.
• Maintaining a detailed log/database of collected specimens.
• Maintain and passage cell cultures.
• Optimize novel in vitro culture systems, including slice culture and organoid models.
• Perform murine tumor transplants, tumor volume measurements and drug treatments.
• Train and supervise other lab members as needed, provide scientific and technical expertise and guidance for other ongoing projects.
• Maintain organized laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Maintain inventory of lab supplies, order supplies, oversee general laboratory maintenance and safety compliance.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• In addition to the qualification outlined under Research Specialist C, Research Specialist D will be expected to be proficient in bioinformatic tools and programming languages (e.g. R, Python). He/She will not only prepare specimens for single-cell sequencing, but also independently analyze single cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data, amongst other sequencing datasets. Experience with spatial transcriptomics is advantageous but not required, provided the candidate is willing to continue to expand their skillset.
• The Research Specialist D will also work with the principal investigator to develop new lines of inquiry, assist in writing grant proposals, and draft manuscripts/contribute as a primary author to research publications.

Qualifications:

Research Specialist C - Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Research Specialist D - Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required

The Ideal Candidate Will Reflect the Following:

• Experience working with mice in a rodent barrier facility
• Familiarity with drug administration (preferred)
• Experience with necropsy and tissue banking (preferred)
• Proficiency in tissue culture, including human primary cells
• Proficiency in flow cytometry
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques such as RT-qPCR and Western Blotting
• Proficiency in basic bioinformatics, including single-cell RNA-seq (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain accurate and organized laboratory data
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Flexibility with work hours

Position is contingent upon continued funding

Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School Perelman School of Medicine