Research Specialist A

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

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Technician to join our laboratory at the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research (CNDR). The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research investigating the role of TDP-43 protein aggregation in glial cells and its involvement in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD-TDP), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and related neurodegenerative disorders. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment and gain experience with advanced cellular and molecular approaches used to study disease mechanisms.

Key responsibilities: The successful candidate will conduct research on neurodegenerative diseases using primary rodent and iPSC-derived cellular models, applying a range of cell biology, molecular biology, and imaging techniques. Responsibilities include designing and performing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, maintaining cell cultures and accurate research records, and contributing to publications, presentations, and collaborative scientific activities within the laboratory at the Center of Neurodegenerative Disease Research (CNDR).

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to research on neurodegenerative diseases using both established and innovative experimental approaches. The candidate will independently perform experiments using primary rat and mouse oligodendrocyte cultures, as well as induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal and glial models. Responsibilities include conducting a variety of in vitro assays, such as transfection, transduction, biochemical analyses, and immunocytochemistry.

The candidate will also perform cell culture-related activities, including the establishment of non-neuronal cell lines, cryopreservation, thawing, and routine cell propagation, as needed. Additional responsibilities include analyzing experimental data, contributing to data interpretation, and collaborating with research team members to design and execute experiments.

The successful candidate will maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures and results, assist in the preparation of research reports, and contribute to scientific manuscripts and presentations as appropriate. Participation in laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, and Center activities is expected. The candidate will also be required to attend and present research findings at laboratory meetings and other Center-related events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field and 0-1 year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Previous research experience, preferably in a neuroscience, neurobiology, or cell biology laboratory.
• Experience with cell culture techniques is highly desirable.
• Experience with standard molecular biology, histology, and microscopy techniques is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational, time management, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence, research integrity, and reproducible research practices.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced research environment.

Position contingent upon funding

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$45,278.00 - $51,000.00 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, 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