Research Specialist A/B
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine•Philadelphia, PA
•$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
- Excellent healthcare benefits
- Tuition benefits for employees and their families
- Generous retirement benefits
- Wide variety of professional development opportunities
- Supportive work and family benefits
- 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
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
- Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options
- Wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
- 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 as well as cultural and recreational activities
- Free or discounted admission and memberships to University arts and cultural centers and museums
- Discounts on goods and services such as new cars, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks
- Flexible work options
- Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia
- Adoption Assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
