Research Specialist C

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

6d•$58,506 - $67,795

About The Position

The Breast Cancer Translational Research Group seeks a Research Specialist C to conduct translational preclinical breast cancer research using organoids, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and cell culture systems. The successful candidate will work with investigators to evaluate experimental therapies, including radiotherapies, and investigate treatment response and mechanisms of cancer cell death. The role requires hands-on experience with animal studies and mammalian cell culture, the ability to independently design and conduct experiments, and careful attention to experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility. The candidate is expected to design entire animal studies with little oversight, including studies investigating novel compounds and novel radiotracers. The scientist will work closely with the PennRad and PennMedicine Biobank teams. The position is contingent upon grant funding.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Hands-on experience with animal studies and mammalian cell culture.
Ability to design and conduct experiments independently, including entire animal studies with little oversight.
Careful attention to experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility.

Responsibilities

Establish, maintain, and passage breast cancer PDX models, including tumor implantation, monitoring, tissue collection, cryopreservation, and tracking model identity and passage history.
Conduct in vivo treatment studies, including preparing and administering study compounds, measuring tumors, monitoring body weight, and assessing treatment response and tolerability.
Perform animal handling, anesthesia, blood collection, necropsy, and tissue harvesting within approved protocols and institutional training requirements.
Monitor animal health and study endpoints, maintain accurate animal records, and coordinate with veterinary and animal facility staff.
Maintain breast cancer cell lines using aseptic technique, including routine culture, expansion, cryopreservation, and quality control.
Conduct cell-based experiments to evaluate drug response, proliferation, viability, and mechanisms of cell death.
Process tumor, blood, and other tissue samples for downstream cellular, molecular, and histologic analyses.
Plan experiments with investigators, troubleshoot technical problems, optimize protocols, and organize and analyze experimental data.
Maintain complete laboratory records and sample inventories; prepare figures and summaries for laboratory meetings, reports, and manuscripts.
Maintain supplies and equipment needed for assigned studies and assist with training laboratory personnel in established methods.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive tuition assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible expenses, for up to two adoptions in a household.