Job Details

Research Specialist C

Position Number: 9711199
Location: Philadelphia, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Research Specialist 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.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

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 C

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist C

Job Description Summary
The Research Specialist C will conduct molecular and cellular biology research supporting HIV vaccine studies while serving as a senior technical resource within the laboratory. The position will provide training and mentorship to new laboratory personnel, direct assigned research activities, and collaborate with the Principal Investigators and laboratory management team to support the laboratory's scientific mission.

Position contingent upon funding.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Position Description

The Research Specialist C position will be responsible for conducting molecular biological and cell culture experiments related to HIV-1 vaccine design and for assisting in the day-to-day management of the laboratory, which includes 10,000 sq ft of research space, a Biosafety Level 2/3 suite, a DNA sequencing core laboratory, 25 staff members, and an annual operating budget in excess of $10 million. Duties of this position include supervision and training of lab staff members in safety protocols and proper research techniques; ordering of research supplies and equipment; and ensuring proper use and upkeep of equipment. This position will be responsible for shared work responsibilities distributed among the 25 lab staff members to maintain efficient, effective and safe operations of the laboratory. This position may have as many as four research staff who report to it for daily assignments in the conduct of basic research projects that are critical to the research mission of the lab. This position will work closely with the Lab Principal Investigators (Drs. George M. Shaw and Beatrice H. Hahn) to oversee and conduct laboratory activities carried out by the 25-member lab staff. The laboratory pursues basic and translational research on global pathogens including HIV, HCV, and COVID, which requires that this position have a high level of scientific understanding along with strong management skills. The individual who fills this position will conduct hands-on bench research related to HIV vaccine development under the direction of Drs. Shaw and Hahn.

Responsibilities
Conduct cellular and molecular biology experiments using human and rhesus macaque blood and lymphoid tissue in support of HIV vaccine design and pathogenesis research.
Perform molecular cloning, single genome amplification, DNA sequence analysis, tissue processing, cell isolation, and primary cell culture using established laboratory protocols.
Analyze, interpret, and document experimental data while maintaining accurate and complete laboratory records.
Assist with troubleshooting experimental procedures and contribute to optimization of research workflows.
Oversee onboarding, training, and mentorship of new Research Specialists, graduate students, and rotating students; provide technical guidance and scientific support to laboratory personnel; and coordinate daily research activities and assignments for up to four assigned research staff in support of ongoing laboratory projects.
Coordinate and oversee assigned laboratory activities and shared responsibilities, including ordering of research supplies and equipment, coordination of equipment maintenance, and ensuring proper use and upkeep of laboratory resources to support efficient, effective, and safe laboratory operations.
Collaborate with the Principal Investigators and laboratory management team to support laboratory priorities, research objectives, and day-to-day activities.
Contribute to collaborative research projects, data analysis, and preparation of research findings as assigned.
Support laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness through adherence to established biosafety protocols, documentation requirements, and institutional policies.
Perform other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as required or assigned.
Qualifications

Required
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline, and 3-5 years of relevant laboratory research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture.
Experience working with human biological specimens and maintaining accurate experimental records.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Preferred: Bachelor's in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related sciences.

Preferred Experience

Experience working with HIV, SIV, SHIV, or other viral systems.
Experience handling nonhuman primate specimens and working in BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 laboratory environments.
Prior experience training or supervising laboratory personnel.
Familiarity with laboratory operations, inventory management, and oversight of shared research facilities.

This position is contingent on grant funding

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$58,506.00 - $67,794.79 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

Equal Employment 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.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Medical-School-Johnson-Pavilion/Research-Specialist-C_JR00123378