Research Specialist B/C

University of Pennsylvania

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Penn Vet Comparative Pathology Core (CPC) seeks to hire a Research Specialist B to provide specialized histology and laboratory support for investigator-driven research studies. The Research Specialist will contribute to the preparation, processing, quality control, and documentation of biological specimens used in research projects, and will collaborate closely with faculty, researchers, staff, and trainees to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials for histologic evaluation and downstream analyses. This position supports multiple ongoing research projects and contributes to study execution by coordinating specimen workflows, maintaining detailed records, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with established laboratory protocols and quality standards.

Requirements

Experience with tissue prep and processing is required.
A high level of experience in sectioning tissues with a microtome is also required.
Research Specialist B A Bachelor of Science degree and 1 to 2 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Or an Associate's degree and 3-4 years of relevant experience.
Research Specialist C A Bachelor of Science degree and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Or an Associate's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Comparative Pathology Core (CPC) Histology Service requests (prioritization, quality assurance/control of materials [slides, blocks], communication with investigators, etc.)
Coordinate workflow/prioritization of slide sectioning
Tissue trimming, embedding, and sectioning.
The employee will also be required to help with the Diagnostic biopsy service, when needed (i.e., covering when others are on vacation)
Participate in lab management and help support lab setup and operations
Oversee ordering, organization, and maintenance of reagents, equipment, and protocols
Train and supervise other lab members as needed
Provide scientific and technical expertise and guidance for other ongoing projects
Maintain general supplies for the lab
Carrying out troubleshooting experiments
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
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.
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 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 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.
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.