"Research Specialist, School of Nursing"

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.

Job Description Summary

Plans and conducts basic 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 tools, documentations and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables.

Job Description

This technical position will support the work funded by NIH grants which focus on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use disorders using animal models. An emphasis is placed on translational studies aimed at identifying and developing novel therapeutic approaches to treating substance use disorders. The foundation of these studies are drug self-administration studies (cocaine, opioids and nicotine) in rats. Prior experience working with rodents is preferred. Experience with animal models of addiction, stereotaxic brain surgery, and/or behavioral pharmacology is a plus. Familiarity with cellular and molecular techniques including RT-PCT, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope and Western blotting is also desirable. There is an opportunity to lead projects for those qualified to do so.

Job Responsibilities

• Running drug self-administration experiments
• Managing the lab (ordering supplies, cleaning, etc.)
• Rodent surgeries
• Data analysis, written and oral presentation of findings, etc.
• Other job related duties as assigned

Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.