Research Specialist B

University of Pennsylvania

6d•$50,000 - $57,335

About The Position

Within a laboratory focused on the immunological and virological aspects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), this position will work under general supervision, independently and in collaboration with others, to perform research supporting projects that utilize molecular biology, immunology, and biophysical techniques. Responsibilities include applying methods such as gene cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression, purification and characterization, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, ELISA, HIV virus titration, infectivity assays, and PBMC isolation. The role also involves data collection, analysis, and interpretation of preliminary results; operating specialized equipment, such as Octet BLI following training; troubleshooting experimental procedures; and performing other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with protein expression and purification, including chromatography-based methods.
Strong working knowledge of molecular biology and cell culture techniques.
Experience performing biochemical and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA).
Ability to work independently within established project goals, troubleshoot experiments, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to maintain thorough experimental documentation.
Strong communication and collaboration skills in a team-based research environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with HIV or other viral systems, including virus titration and infectivity assays.
Experience operating ÄKTA chromatography systems, BLI/Octet instruments, or similar analytical platforms.
Experience with parallelized or high-throughput protein purification workflows.
Familiarity with flow cytometry/FACS and related immunological assays.
Exposure to high-throughput or single-cell platforms (e.g., 10x Genomics).
Prior experience contributing to publications or supporting collaborative research programs.

Responsibilities

Perform and troubleshoot molecular biology, protein biochemistry, immunology, and virology experiments
Execute protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows
Perform cell culture and immunological/virological assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry, infectivity ssays)
Analyze and document experimental data; prepare figures and summaries
Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure research reproducibility
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment; prepare reagents and buffers
Coordinate experimental timelines and support overall laboratory operations
Perform additional duties 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.