Research Specialist C

University of Pennsylvania

About The Position

The candidate will have a central role in supporting the research mission of the High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Core by leading efforts in recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization. This individual will generate high-quality protein reagents to enable assay development, small-molecule and genetic screening, and mechanistic follow-up studies for a wide range of collaborative research projects. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in protein biochemistry, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with investigators across diverse biomedical disciplines. The candidate will independently design strategies for recombinant protein expression and purification using bacterial, insect, and/or mammalian systems. The ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot purification protocols using chromatographic methods (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion) to achieve proteins with appropriate yield, purity, and activity is essential. The candidate will also be required to characterize purified proteins using biochemical and biophysical assays, including but not limited to SDS-PAGE, Western blot, activity assays, and differential scanning fluorimetry. The ability to perform other basic molecular biology assays such as PCR and DNA gel electrophoresis is required. The Candidate will independently coordinate recombinant protein expression and purification on a daily to weekly basis. They will also be responsible for maintaining articulate documentation of workflows and contribute to data quality control to ensure reproducibility. The candidate will also be required to read relevant scientific literature to for establishing new technologies and protocols for recombinant protein expression and purification in the laboratory. They will provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and trainees in protein purification and collaborate with HTS scientists to adapt purified proteins for use in biochemical and cell-based assay platforms. In conjunction with the Scientific and Technical Directors, engage with faculty to plan and execute protein production strategies that support new screening initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Proven expertise in recombinant protein production, purification, and characterization is required, including familiarity with operation and maintenance of chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA or equivalent).
A strong record of collaborative research and excellent written and oral communication skills is required.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field with 3+ years of postdoctoral or relevant experience, or M.S. with 7+ years of hands-on protein purification experience preferrred
Experience in an academic core, shared resource, or service-oriented environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Recombinant Protein purification
Eukaryotic Cell culture including Sf9 and Expi293 cells
Design Protein Expression Vectors
Recombinant Protein Production in E. coli
Maintain articulate work records and create data reports
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.