Research Specialist A (Cell and Developmental Biology)
University of Pennsylvania
Application
Details
Posted: 22-Jan-25
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 5942407
Research Specialist A (Cell and Developmental Biology)
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 A (Cell and Developmental Biology)
Job Profile Title Research Specialist A
Job Description Summary The Alvarez lab at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Research Specialist A. This is a unique opportunity to engage in cutting edge research at the interface of Organoids, Diabetes, and Regenerative Medicine. The research asks how circadian & metabolic rhythms impact islet maturity, with a long-term goal to build mature stem cell-derived pancreatic islet organoids as human models of islet development & physiology and as novel replacement therapy for insulin-dependent diabetics. Highly motivated applicants are sought to assist with lab management and with studies of how genetic and environmental clock perturbation in mice interacts with obesity and diabetes.
Job Description
The Research Specialist will support studies characterizing pancreatic islets in vivo, both in genetically modified mice and in mice transplanted with human native or pluripotent stem cell-derived islets. Animal physiology enthusiasts with a strong desire to make scientific contributions to the lab's research, and an interest in growing within the role are encouraged to apply.
Tissue collection, including islet isolation from mouse pancreas
PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry
RNA-seq, CUT&RUN, Hi-C, ATAC-seq and CRISPR-based gene editing
Keeping inventory of laboratory samples and necessary supplies
The research specialist will independently collect and record experimental data and update written protocols and methods based on findings. Other duties will include laboratory management and maintenance (including equipment), monitoring/ordering supplies, and keeping inventory of laboratory samples. The successful candidate will also support 1-2 labs in the Cell and Developmental Biology department with various laboratory management tasks, i.e. supply ordering, mouse colony work, etc.
This position is contingent upon continued funding.
Qualifications
Bachelors degree in biology/related field required and 0-1 years of professional animal care experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with research laboratory animal colony management and timed matings
Laboratory experience in experimental biological research required
Experience working independently and with a team required
Interest to grow in the position, assuming increasing levels of responsibility
Specific enthusiasm for in vivo physiology work as a profession
Ideal Start date: February 3rd, 2025.
Weekly schedule: Monday-Friday 9-5pm
Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Research Specialist A
The Research Specialist will support studies characterizing pancreatic islets in vivo, both in genetically modified mice and in mice transplanted with human native or pluripotent stem cell-derived islets. Animal physiology enthusiasts with a strong desire to make scientific contributions to the lab's research, and an interest in growing within the role are encouraged to apply.
Tissue collection, including islet isolation from mouse pancreas
PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry
RNA-seq, CUT&RUN, Hi-C, ATAC-seq and CRISPR-based gene editing
Keeping inventory of laboratory samples and necessary supplies
The research specialist will independently collect and record experimental data and update written protocols and methods based on findings. Other duties will include laboratory management and maintenance (including equipment), monitoring/ordering supplies, and keeping inventory of laboratory samples. The successful candidate will also support 1-2 labs in the Cell and Developmental Biology department with various laboratory management tasks, i.e. supply ordering, mouse colony work, etc.
This position is contingent upon continued funding.
Department / School Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range $43,888.00 - $54,000.00 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
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.
Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge, begun by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff. Academic life at Penn is unparalleled, with an undergraduate student body of 10,000 from every U.S. state and around the world. The entering class of 2015 is the most talented and diverse in Penn's history. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the country, Penn welcomes an additional 10,000 students to our top-ranked graduate and professional schools.