Research Specialist C

University of Pennsylvania

22h•Onsite

About The Position

A Research Specialist C position is available in the Guo Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with strong laboratory experience to work closely with the Principal Investigator, students, research specialists, and postdoctoral fellows on basic and translational research focused on in vivo mouse models of ophthalmic disease. This position is ideal for a candidate with substantial hands-on experience in in vivo mouse procedures, ocular injections (including but not limited to intravitreal and subretinal injections), tissue processing, histology, and microscopy. The Research Specialist will play a central role in executing and advancing projects using animal models of ophthalmic disease, with opportunities for scientific independence, project leadership, and authorship on high-impact publications. The lab offers a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with strong mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Position contingent upon funding.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to meet short- and long-term research objectives in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
Perform in vivo mouse experiments, including: Ophthalmic and periocular injections (e.g., intravitreal, subretinal, intracameral, periocular) Systemic drug administration as needed Induction and assessment of retinal and optic nerve injury
Conduct necropsy, tissue harvesting, and eye and retina dissections
Process ocular tissues for downstream analyses, including: Fixation, cryoprotection, embedding, and sectioning (using cryostat and/or microtome) Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence Microscopy and image acquisition (fluorescence and/or confocal microscopy)
Maintain and passage cell cultures, including immortalized cells, eye-relevant and primary cell types
Perform molecular and cellular assays such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and histology
Analyze data, prepare figures, and lead the generation of presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications
Maintain accurate, well-organized experimental records, specimen databases, and documentation
Assist with laboratory operations, including preparation of reagents, equipment maintenance, inventory management
Ensure compliance with institutional safety, animal care, and regulatory protocols
Train and supervise students or junior lab members as appropriate
Contribute scientific and technical expertise across multiple ongoing projects
Adapt their work hours as dictated by experimental needs

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.