Research Specialist B/C

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Research Specialist B/C

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist B

Job Description Summary

The Dowling Lab focuses on childhood muscle diseases, particularly muscle disorders that present in infancy, including congenital myopathies and congenital muscular dystrophies. Using a combinatorial approach that includes new gene discovery, model organism development, viral and non-viral gene therapies, and both targeted and large scale screening drug discovery approaches, the Dowling lab is dedicated to uncovering disease mechanisms and advancing therapy development.

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Specialist B or C with significant experience with mouse preclinical models to contribute to our dynamic team.  The successful candidate will oversee daily operations of the research program including mouse colony breeding and management as well as directing experimental designs that involve mouse models.  The selected individual will have strong skills related to mouse handling and mouse colony management,  injections and necropsy procedures. Tail-vein injection proficiency is absolutely required. Additional expertise in molecular biology techniques, including western blotting, RNA analysis, and advanced immunopathology (immunostaining, microscopy, multiplex immunoassays), is preferred. In addition to the duties listed above,  a Research Specialist C is also expected to contribute to/assist with manuscript and grant proposal preparation.  

Qualifications

• RS-B: Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• RS-C: Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in mouse model research (Research Specialist B) or 3-5 years experience with Masters preferred (Research Specialist C)
• Expertise with mouse genotyping, breeding and colony management as well as injection techniques, particularly tail vein injection is required as well as mouse necropsy and tissue collection experience Additional experience with behavioral assays  preferred.
• Proficiency with various molecular biology techniques such as PCR and RT-PCR, DNA and RNA extraction, Sanger sequencing analysis, western blotting, immunophenotyping (immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, histology), and advanced microscopy imaging skills is preferred
• Knowledge and application of gene therapies, including delivery methods and therapeutic applications is preferred.
• Self-driven initiative to work independently, strong organizational skills.
• Research Specialist C should also have: 
  -Demonstrated proficiency in scientific communications and figure preparation for publications and grant proposals. 
  -Proven ability to drive an independent research project.

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $73,500.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University 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.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay