Research Specialist C/D (Department of Rheumatology)

Job Description Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic individual who has a strong background in molecular cloning, recombinant protein production, and immunology. The research specialist will be working closely with the Principal Investigator and other lab members on publication-generating projects to understand immune dysregulation in autoimmune diseases. The research specialist will generate and optimize protocols for recombinant protein production and help develop new approaches for detecting autoreactive, virus-specific, and cross-reactive T cells. It is expected that the research specialist will have expertise in producing and purifying recombinant proteins from bacterial, insect cell, mammalian systems. He/she should have computational background for high-dimensional protein expression, RNA sequencing, and TCR sequencing data analyses. The research specialist will enjoy a high level of independence and be able to take a lead on projects. We are team-oriented and collaborative.

Job Responsibilities

Research Specialist C

Research specialist C will be expected to plan and conduct complex experiments to meet research project objectives. These include producing and purifying recombinant proteins independently using various expression platforms, expertise in molecular cloning to generate expression constructs for new proteins, and the skillset to trouble shoot and optimize experiments. Familiarity with tissue culture and the ability to operate flow cytometer independently will be required.

Research Specialist D

In addition to qualifications outlined under Research specialist C, Research specialist D will be expected to also be proficient in bioinformatic tools and programming languages (e.g., R, Python). He/she will develop new techniques for single-cell antigen-specific T cell analyses and independently perform high-dimensional protein expression, RNA sequencing, and TCR sequencing data analyses. Additionally, Research specialist D will assist with manuscript/grant writing and provide training to students in the laboratory.

Position Contingent Upon Funding

Qualifications

Research Specialist C

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

Research Specialist D

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

Preferred:

Excellent organizational and record keeping skills.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$57,500.00 - $76,973.00 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

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/HUP/Research-Specialist-C-D--Department-of-Rheumatology-_JR00098447-1