Research Specialist B
About The Position
The Corder Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and collaborative Research Specialist to support cutting-edge neuroscience research focused on pain, affective neuroscience, behavior, neural circuits, and neuromodulation. The successful candidate will play a central role in maintaining daily laboratory operations while contributing directly to multiple ongoing research projects involving mouse behavior, in vivo neuroscience techniques, histology, and computationally driven behavioral analysis. This position is ideal for an individual seeking extensive hands-on experience in modern systems neuroscience and translational neurobiology. The candidate will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members in a fast-paced and highly collaborative research environment. Primary responsibilities include management of transgenic mouse colonies, animal handling and behavioral support, histological processing, laboratory organization, ordering and inventory management, data collection and record-keeping, and general experimental support across multiple projects. The technician will assist with behavioral assays, tissue processing, microscopy, molecular techniques, and experimental workflows related to neural circuit function and pain-related behaviors. The successful candidate should be detail-oriented, dependable, technically proficient, and capable of balancing multiple ongoing responsibilities. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, animal science, psychology, or a related scientific discipline and 1-3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
- Experience working with laboratory animals, preferably mice.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced research environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and research compliance standards.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in a neuroscience or behavioral neuroscience research laboratory.
- Experience with rodent handling, behavioral assays, or animal colony management.
- Familiarity with histological techniques including tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques.
- Experience supporting in vivo neuroscience experiments or behavioral data collection.
- Interest in systems neuroscience, pain research, neural circuits, behavior, or computational approaches to behavior.
Responsibilities
- Management of transgenic mouse colonies, including setting up breeder cages, monitoring colony health, maintaining accurate animal records, coordinating genotyping workflows, weaning and tagging animals, and ensuring compliance with institutional animal care regulations.
- Assist with behavioral neuroscience experiments involving mouse handling, habituation, behavioral testing, spontaneous pain and affective-motivational assays, video recording, and support for automated behavior analysis platforms.
- Performing histological procedures such as tissue collection, perfusions, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, slide mounting, microscopy support, and organization of imaging datasets.
- Maintain laboratory inventory by ordering reagents, consumables, and animal-related supplies, tracking stock levels, organizing storage areas, and coordinating equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Maintaining detailed experimental records and laboratory documentation, assisting with data collection and organization, preparing solutions and reagents, and supporting graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with experimental workflows and troubleshooting.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and potentially other institutions.
- Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options through TIAA and Vanguard.
- Substantial time away from work for relaxation, vacations, personal affairs, illness, or family time.
- Long-Term Care Insurance through Genworth Financial.
- Wide variety of programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
- Resources for professional and personal development.
- Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural, and recreational activities.
- Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service, movie tickets, and theme parks.
- Flexible work options including non-traditional work hours, locations, and job structures.
- Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
- Adoption Assistance for qualified expenses related to legal adoption.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
