Research Specialist

University of Pennsylvania

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Specialist A will conduct experiments on the neural and physiological basis of energy balance dysregulation and obesity in animal and cellular models. Duties include rodent surgery, behavioral and physiological testing, molecular analysis of intracellular signaling pathways, data organization and analysis (using spreadsheet, graphics, and statistical packages), coordinating activities of undergraduate assistants, administrative support including ordering supplies and completing regulatory documentation, providing laboratory animal care in a safe and humane manner (clean and sanitize cages, change food, water, and bedding), and participating in scientific discussions about experimental design and the interpretation of results. The technician will closely collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and a Principal Investigator (PI) on experiments in accordance with established protocols. The nature of this position provides a great opportunity for potential candidates that strive to develop and master new skills and seek to strengthen their applications related to medical/vet school career goals and/or graduate school in Neuroscience/feeding by having the opportunity to contribute to published and presented research.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Nice To Haves

• Potential candidates that strive to develop and master new skills and seek to strengthen their applications related to medical/vet school career goals and/or graduate school in Neuroscience/feeding by having the opportunity to contribute to published and presented research.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct basic science experiments on feeding behaviors to meet research project objectives.
• Conduct experiments on the neural and physiological basis of energy balance dysregulation and obesity in animal and cellular models.
• Perform rodent surgery, behavioral and physiological testing, and molecular analysis of intracellular signaling pathways.
• Organize and analyze data using spreadsheet, graphics, and statistical packages.
• Coordinate activities of undergraduate assistants.
• Provide administrative support including ordering supplies and completing regulatory documentation.
• Provide laboratory animal care in a safe and humane manner (clean and sanitize cages, change food, water, and bedding).
• Participate in scientific discussions about experimental design and the interpretation of results.
• Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and a Principal Investigator (PI) on experiments.
• Collect, organize, and analyze behavioral and physiological data.
• Maintain and manage satellite animal rooms during and outside of experiments.
• Manage, maintain, and breed multiple transgenic animal lines for experimental use.
• Provide administrative support including scheduling and ordering of lab supplies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent healthcare
• Tuition benefits for employees and their families
• Generous retirement benefits
• Wide variety of professional development opportunities
• Supportive work and family benefits
• Wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
• 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, their spouse, and dependent children
• Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
• Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options
• Wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
• Substantial amount of time away from work
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Wellness and Work-life Resources
• Professional and Personal Development resources
• Access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
• Free or discounted admission and memberships to Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
• 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
• Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees)
• Adoption Assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses related to legal adoption)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level