"Research Specialist C"

Job Details

Research Specialist 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. 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.

Posted Job Title
Research Specialist C

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist C

Job Description Summary
A Research Specialist C position is available in the Guo Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with strong laboratory experience to work closely with the Principal Investigator, students, research specialists, and postdoctoral fellows on basic and translational research focused on in vivo mouse models of ophthalmic disease.
This position is ideal for a candidate with substantial hands-on experience in in vivo mouse procedures, ocular injections (including but not limited to intravitreal and subretinal injections), tissue processing, histology, and microscopy. The Research Specialist will play a central role in executing and advancing projects using animal models of ophthalmic disease, with opportunities for scientific independence, project leadership, and authorship on high-impact publications. The lab offers a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with strong mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to meet short- and long-term research objectives in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
• Perform in vivo mouse experiments, including:
  • Ophthalmic and periocular injections (e.g., intravitreal, subretinal, intracameral, periocular)
  • Systemic drug administration as needed
  • Induction and assessment of retinal and optic nerve injury
• Conduct necropsy, tissue harvesting, and eye and retina dissections
• Process ocular tissues for downstream analyses, including:
  • Fixation, cryoprotection, embedding, and sectioning (using cryostat and/or microtome)
  • Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence
  • Microscopy and image acquisition (fluorescence and/or confocal microscopy)
• Maintain and passage cell cultures, including immortalized cells, eye-relevant and primary cell types
• Perform molecular and cellular assays such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and histology
• Analyze data, prepare figures, and lead the generation of presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications
• Maintain accurate, well-organized experimental records, specimen databases, and documentation
• Assist with laboratory operations, including preparation of reagents, equipment maintenance, inventory management
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety, animal care, and regulatory protocols
• Train and supervise students or junior lab members as appropriate
• Contribute scientific and technical expertise across multiple ongoing projects
• Adapt their work hours as dictated by experimental needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Position contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$57,500.00 - $75,000.00 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 [list of benefits summarized or included as in text]

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay