Research Specialist A/B (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

University of Pennsylvania

About The Position

The Mainigi Laboratory within the University of Pennsylvania's Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is looking for a Research Specialist (RS) to join our team. The RS will work on several projects related to the uterine environment and its role in the establishment of very early pregnancy. Our goal is to use basic science to answer clinically relevant questions. Projects will involve the use of human tissue samples obtained from first trimester termination tissue and uterine biopsies. The RS will have experience in cell culture and molecular biology, and will work with the guidance of a senior lab member. The RS will be required to assist in acquiring and processing of human tissue samples, maintaining human cell lines and performing standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques. The RS will maintain an organized notebook and participate in regular feedback sessions. Importantly, the RS will also be responsible for general lab management including ordering lab supplies, receipt of supplies, and involved with shipping.

Requirements

Research Specialist A - Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Research Specialist B - Bachelor of Science and 1 to 3 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, good communication and organization skills are a must.

Nice To Haves

Experience with experiment design is preferred.

Responsibilities

Acquire and process human tissue samples
Manage multiple cell lines
Perform standard molecular biology/biochemical techniques
Assist with general lab operations: purchasing lab supplies, shipping, etc.
Research Specialist B Will have the duties outlined above for a Research Specialist A, with the additional expectation that s(he) will show a higher degree of independence, including the ability to design and troubleshoot experiments with greater autonomy and interpret study results with a lesser degree of input from supervisor(s).

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.