Research Specialist, School of Nursing

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.

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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, School of Nursing

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

Conduct experiments on the neural and physiological basis of nausea, anorexia, and energy balance dysregulation in animal and cellular models. A strong interest in controls of energy balance and sickness behaviors stemming from chronic disease and disease treatments such as obesity, diabetes, and cancers, is highly desirable. Duties include management of small animal models, rodent surgery, behavioral and physiological testing, molecular analysis of intracellular signaling pathways, data organization and analysis (using spreadsheet, graphics, and statistical packages). Coordinating activities of undergraduate assistants, participating in scientific discussions about experimental design and interpretation of results. The training nature of this position provides a great opportunity for potential candidates that strive to develop and master new skills and seek to strengthen their applications related to medical/vet school career goals and/or graduate school in Neuroscience/feeding by having the opportunity to be a co-author on published research papers.

Job Description

A strong interest in controls of energy balance and sickness behaviors stemming from chronic disease and disease treatments such as obesity, diabetes, and cancers, is highly desirable. Duties include management of small animal models, helping in the planning and oversight of basic science behavioral and physiological experiments to meet research project objectives, with close supervision. Assists in performing laboratory experiments and clinical studies for product or material formulation and development. Daily management of laboratory tool, documentations, and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables. Closely collaborates with Senior Research Specialists, Postdoctoral Fellows, Graduate Students and Principal Investigator (PI) on experimental/clinical work set ups in accordance to established protocols. Coordinating activities of undergraduate assistants, participating in scientific discussions about experimental design and interpretation of results.

Job Responsibilities

• Help conduct behavioral and physiological testing and rodent surgery, management of animal colonies
• Data organization and analysis
• Coordinate activities of undergraduate assistants
• Administrative support including ordering supplies
• Perform Additional Job Related Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Research Specialist A: Bachelor's Degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Desire and/or history of working with research animals (any species) highly desirable. Course work in Biology/Psychobiology/Neuroscience and laboratory experience preferred but not required. Ability to work independently with attention to detail. Strong PC skills in MS office and related databases. Good communication skills and ability to meet deadlines is essential. High motivation and desire to improve on both the technical and scholarship level is also critical.

Candidates that seek to pursue a career in clinical/science fields (vet school, grad school, medical school) are preferred. This Lab provides essential 24/7 services for the University of Pennsylvania. The Research Specialist A position is designated as 'essential' and you are expected to work when normal campus operations are suspended (e.g.: inclement weather) or if there is an emergency impacting the School of Nursing. In addition, you may be expected to work outside of your regular schedule during peak activity periods (e.g.: overtime, weekends). To the extent possible, managers will provide timely notice of modified work schedules.

Position is contingent on continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Nursing

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $55,000.00 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.