Research Specialist A

University of Pennsylvania

About The Position

The Lung Biology Institute housed within the Perelman School of Medicine is seeking to hire a Scholar to work closely with transplant surgeons, organ procurement organizations, and clinical research teams to support translational research in human tissue and organ transplantation and to support the LBI Human Lung Tissue Bank (HLTB). Key responsibilities include coordinating organ offers, transporting and processing human tissue samples, performing organ dissections, isolating tissue for molecular analyses, preparing samples for histology, consenting patients for research participation, and supporting intraoperative and postoperative specimen collection during surgical procedures. This role demands a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work flexible hours in a fast-paced, collaborative clinical environment, providing invaluable exposure to surgical workflows, clinical research, and human anatomy. This position offers a unique and rigorous opportunity for post-baccalaureate individuals seeking hands-on clinical and research experience in preparation for medical school. This position will work closely with HUP Surgeons, Organ Procurement Organizations, Clinical Coordinators and Clinical Leads to support the Human Lung Tissue Bank (HLTB). This is not an independent position but will be closely supervised.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and perform Organ Procurement procedures including but not limited to working with Organ Procurement Organizations, Hospital Staff, Patients and Patient Families and other laboratory members.
Preparing tissue for histological processing, performing dissections, microscopy
Maintain accurate and up to date, medical records, biospecimen databases, and downstream biorepository samples.
Check reagents for upcoming procurement calls, ordering as needed
Perform other laboratory duties as assigned

Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.