Research Specialist A/B

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

1d•$45,278 - $63,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Specialist A/B will join the Integrative Immunology & Cell Design Laboratory, led by Dr. Mo Haj-Dezfulian at the University of Pennsylvania. The Research Specialist A/B will support experimental workflows involving mammalian and primary immune-cell culture, T cell receptor cloning and expression, antigen-presentation assays, pooled genetic and antigen-discovery screens, flow cytometry, cell sorting, next-generation sequencing library preparation, single-cell sequencing, and spatial genomic assays. The position will also support laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, sample organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, SOP/ELN documentation, sample tracking, sequencing/library tracking, and coordination of routine experimental workflows.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required (Research Specialist A).
Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required (Research Specialist B).
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and careful record-keeping.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory.

Nice To Haves

Interest in cancer immunology, autoimmunity, T-cell biology, genomics, cell engineering, or related areas of biomedical research.
Experience with flow cytometry, primary immune-cell culture, single-cell genomics, spatial profiling, or CRISPR-based screening.
Familiarity with T-cell biology, antigen presentation, cancer immunology, autoimmunity, or immune-repertoire analysis.
Basic computational skills, such as R or Python, for data QC, plotting, or routine analysis.
Prior experience contributing to research projects, abstracts, manuscripts, posters, talks, or scientific presentations.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and moderately complex laboratory procedures under close supervision.
Assist with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry sample preparation, sequencing library preparation, single-cell sequencing sample preparation, pooled screening workflows, sample tracking, documentation, and general laboratory support.
Work with greater scientific and technical independence (Research Specialist B).
Contribute to experimental design, protocol optimization, troubleshooting, execution of complex multi-step assays, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, preparation of figures and research summaries, development or refinement of SOPs, and training of junior lab members (Research Specialist B).
Independently coordinate established workflows involving primary human immune cells, engineered antigen-presenting cells, TCR-expressing reporter cells, pooled antigen or CRISPR screens, next-generation sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and spatial genomics (Research Specialist B).
Contribute to research summaries, figures, posters, manuscripts, grant reports, lab meetings, project meetings, and, when appropriate, departmental or external scientific meetings.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options.
Substantial amount of time away from work.
Long-Term Care Insurance.
Wellness and Work-life Resources.
Professional and Personal Development resources.
Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural, and recreational activities.
Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
Flexible work options.
Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan).
Adoption Assistance.