Research Specialist A
About The Position
This is a Research Specialist A position. The Research Specialist will play an integral role in managing day-to-day activities in the Center for Host-Microbial Interactions at PennVet – an research group that includes undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers – that collaborates broadly across the veterinary school and university in projects related to microbiology and infectious diseases (see hostmicrobe.org for more information on the lab). The primary responsibility in this role involves managing all aspects of our high-throughput sequencing (HTS) projects to study genes and genomes during infection. Responsibilities for HTS work will include everything from engaging collaborators to assist in experiment planning; executing technically challenging ‘wet-lab’ experiments that transform raw biological samples into DNA suitable for sequencing; operating sophisticated state-of-the-art instrumentation used for sequencing; and troubleshooting failed experiments. To be successful in this role, one has to be extremely organized, have a keen attention to detail, be efficient in record keeping, be patient and excellent communicator, and be a hard worker. Prior experience with high-throughput sequencing is a definite plus but is not required since on-the-job training is available. All activities will be coordinated with close oversight from the supervisor and Director of the center, Dr. Daniel Beiting, and Technical Director, Dr. Lisa Mattei.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience with high-throughput sequencing is a definite plus but is not required since on-the-job training is available.
Responsibilities
- Bench work associated with preparation of libraries for high-throughput sequencing experiments
- Bench work associated with quality assurance and quality control for sequencing experiments
- Bench work associated with extraction of DNA and/or RNA from raw samples
- Handle billing aspects of the center, including but not limited to preparing quotes and invoices for labs seeking services from our center
- Communicating with client labs to provide updates on project status
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- excellent healthcare
- 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 to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
- tuition assistance here at Penn for employee, spouse, and dependent children
- tuition assistance at other institutions for dependent children
- generous retirement plans
- pre-tax or Roth basis retirement savings
- substantial amount of time away from work
- long-term care insurance
- wellness and work-life resources
- resources to help advance yourself personally and professionally
- access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
- discounts and special services
- flexible work options
- forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia
- reimbursement for qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
