Research Specialist A/B (Department of Neurosurgery)

University of Pennsylvania•University City, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is seeking a Research Specialist A/B for the Department of Neurosurgery. This role involves planning and conducting basic experiments to meet research project objectives under close supervision. The specialist will assist in performing laboratory experiments and potential clinical studies, manage laboratory tools and equipment, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with Senior Research Specialists and the Principal Investigator (PI) on experimental/clinical work setups. The position also provides support for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The specialist will perform research activities, observe, analyze data, and interpret results according to detailed instructions. Key attributes sought include efficient communication, strong planning and prioritization skills with a keen focus on details, and an action-oriented approach with enthusiasm for new challenges.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of molecular biology and immunology.
Ability to keep accurate records.
Excellent organizational skills.
Bachelor's Degree with 0-1 year of related experience in research and clinical study methodologies or an equivalent combination of education and experience required (Research Specialist A).
Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of related experience in research and clinical study methodologies or an equivalent combination of education and experience required (Research Specialist B).

Nice To Haves

An efficient communicator, able to determine how best to reach different personnel.
Adept at planning and prioritizing work to meet duties with a keen focus on details.
Action oriented and eager to take on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of importance and enthusiasm.
A creative, friendly and responsible individual (Research Specialist B).

Responsibilities

Plans and conducts basic experiments to meet research project objectives, with close supervision.
Assists in performing laboratory experiments and possible clinical studies.
Daily management of laboratory tools and equipment, documentations, and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables.
Closely collaborates with Senior Research Specialists and Principal Investigator (PI) on experimental/clinical work set ups in accordance with established protocols.
Provides support for grad students and postdoctoral researchers.
Performs research activities in collaboration with internal/external personnel to complete science-based projects.
Receives detailed instructions while observing, analyzing data, and interpreting results accordingly.
Conducts research and provides technical support to several projects developing novel, small molecule based, and immunotherapy based, therapeutics against tumors in a mouse model using both in vivo and in vitro molecular biology and immunology tools.
Generation of orthotopic brain tumors in mice.
Maintaining a mouse colony.
Genotyping.
Immunohistochemistry on brain tissue.
Data analysis.
Assistance with flow cytometry.
Proteomic and gene expression analysis experiments.
Harvesting and maintaining mammalian tissue cultures.
Maintenance of brain tumor bank.
Organization and maintenance of laboratory logs.
Data curation and backup.
Laboratory and equipment maintenance.
Intracranial injections for generation of orthotopic brain tumors in mice (Research Specialist B).
Technology development and troubleshooting (Research Specialist B).
Independently planning experiments with minimal oversight (Research Specialist B).

Benefits

Excellent healthcare benefits for employees and their families.
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.
Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work for relaxation, vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, or family time.
Long-Term Care Insurance through Genworth Financial for faculty, staff, and eligible family members.
Wellness and Work-life Resources.
Professional and Personal Development resources.
Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural and recreational activities (libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries).
Discounts and Special Services (arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service, movie tickets, theme parks).
Flexible Work Hours.
Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees).
Adoption Assistance for eligible employees.