Research Specialist A/B

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine•Philadelphia, PA

11d•$45,278 - $57,335•Onsite

About The Position

This position will support the lab's efforts to advance new therapeutics toward the clinic and contribute to the scientific work published from the lab. Its focus will be assisting with the testing of new engineered T cells and helping evaluate their functional activity, as a single agent or in combination, to enhance therapeutic T cell performance, particularly within tumor microenvironments. This position requires foundational laboratory skills and a willingness to learn CAR T cell manufacturing, flow cytometry, ELISA, and other in vitro assays, as well as basic in vivo mouse handling, working under close supervision. The primary function of this Research Specialist A position is to perform routine in vitro and in vivo mouse study tasks, assist with colony maintenance, and support day-to-day operation of the research bench, all within the BRITE (Shobaki) Lab under the close supervision of Nour Shobaki. The purpose of this position is to support mouse studies by assisting with the generation and characterization of engineered immune therapeutics, growing and developing tumor cells, performing injections, monitoring animal health, weight, and therapeutic responses, and collecting datasets from the study (tumor growth, therapeutic engraftment, histology, ex vivo assays). This position also collects and organizes experimental data and presents results at lab group meetings, under the direction of the Principal Investigator. The primary function of this Research Specialist B position is to conduct in vitro and in vivo mouse studies, and assist with day-to-day operation of the research bench, all within the BRITE (Shobaki) Lab under the direction of Nour Shobaki. The purpose of this position is to support mouse studies by generating and characterizing engineered immune therapeutics, growing and developing tumor cells, performing injections, monitoring animal health, weight, and therapeutic responses, and collecting datasets from the study (tumor growth, therapeutic engraftment, histology, ex vivo assays). This position also documents and organizes experimental data and contributes to the preparation of presentations and research publications, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with 0–1 year of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Basic laboratory skills, with a willingness to learn immunological assay techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, and cell culture
Willingness to work with in vivo mouse models
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with 1–2 years of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Hands-on experience with in vitro immunological assays, including flow cytometry, ELISA, and cell culture
Exposure to in vivo mouse models, including tumor inoculation, therapeutic administration, or monitoring
Strong organizational and documentation skills

Nice To Haves

Prior coursework or research experience in immunology, cell biology, or a related field
Exposure to flow cytometry, ELISA, or cell culture techniques
Exposure to in vivo mouse handling or animal research
Familiarity with laboratory documentation and recordkeeping practices
Interest in cancer immunotherapy research
Experience with CAR T cells or cell-based immunotherapies
Experience with co-culture killing assays
Experience with tissue processing techniques, including IHC and spatial transcriptomics
Experience with bioimaging for tumor growth assessment
Familiarity with characterizing transgenic mice or maintaining mouse colonies, including immunodeficient strains (e.g., NSG)
Prior contribution to research presentations or publications
Familiarity with bioinformatics approaches for spatial transcriptomics or other high-dimensional datasets
Familiarity with microbiology

Responsibilities

Perform routine in vitro immunological assays, including CAR T cell manufacturing support, flow cytometry, and ELISA, following established protocols under close supervision.
Assist with in vivo mouse studies, including tumor cell and therapeutic injections, animal health monitoring, and tumor growth measurements, under the direct supervision of senior lab staff.
Prepare tumor cells and materials for in vivo experiments as directed, maintaining accurate records of preparation and use
Collect and record data from animal studies, including weights, tumor measurements, bleeds, and necropsies, under supervision
Prepare tissues for downstream analyses (flow cytometry, IHC, spatial transcriptomics) as directed by senior lab staff.
Help with general lab operations, including ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining lab organization
Collect, organize, and help analyze experimental data; present data at lab group meetings. Maintain accurate records of experiments and lab documentation to support compliance and timely completion of deliverables.
Assist with maintenance of the mouse colony under supervision.
Conduct in vitro immunological functional assays, including CAR T cell manufacturing, flow cytometry, and ELISA, following established protocols; troubleshoot experimental issues as they arise.
Conduct in vivo mouse studies, executing established protocols under the direction of the PI.
Prepare tumor cells and engineered immune therapies for in vivo experiments, documenting their characteristics and performing assays to assess functional performance.
Monitor and collect datasets associated with animal studies, including health monitoring and weights, tumor growth (caliper, bioimaging), bleeds, and necropsies. Perform IV, IT, IP, and SC injections of tumor cells and therapeutics.
Prepare tissues at necropsy by fixing and isolating cells for functional and flow cytometric analysis, IHC, and spatial transcriptomic studies
Document experimental data, perform data analysis, and contribute to the preparation of presentations and research publications under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
Participate in lab management and support lab set-up and operations, including ordering, organizing, and maintaining reagents, equipment, and protocols.
Characterize transgenic mice and maintain colony.
Train and provide guidance to other lab members as needed.