Research Specialist A/B (Translational Medicine & Human Genetics) - University of Pennsylvania

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.




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/B (Translational Medicine & Human Genetics)





Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A





Job Description Summary

We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic individual that is excited about doing research focused on cancer genetics and genomics. This individual should be interested in a serious career in competitive science. The research specialist will be working in a dynamic research group that carries out investigations in a competitive field. The specialist will be closely working with the Principal Investigator and other lab members on publication-generating projects. The work will involve work with cutting-edge molecular techniques, particularly massively parallel sequencing. They also should be interested in bioinformatics analysis, with either some experience in the field or a willingness and interest in learning about it, with the goal of doing independent analyses. It is expected that the research specialist will develop a high level of independence and be able to take a lead on projects. The research specialist will work in an environment that is team oriented, where creativity, enthusiasm and dedicated effort are highly rewarded. This position also may involve work on weekends and University holidays.





Job Description


We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic individual that is excited about doing research focused on cancer genetics and genomics. This individual should be interested in a serious career in competitive science. The research specialist will be working in a dynamic research group that carries out investigations in a competitive field. The specialist will be closely working with the Principal Investigator and other lab members on publication-generating projects. The work will involve work with cutting-edge molecular techniques, particularly massively parallel sequencing. They also should be interested in bioinformatics analysis, with either some experience in the field or a willingness and interest in learning about it, with the goal of doing independent analyses. It is expected that the research specialist will develop a high level of independence and be able to take a lead on projects. The research specialist will work in an environment that is team oriented, where creativity, enthusiasm and dedicated effort are highly rewarded. This position also may involve work on weekends and University holidays.




Duties:


Basic biology and molecular biology techniques including genomic DNA library preparation, target enrichment, and quantitative analysis


PCR and sequencing


Genomic analyses, such as massively parallel sequencing and copy number analysis


Maintain complete and complete files, organization of laboratory records, data entry of samples


Analysis of data produced, working on paper preparation


Attend lab meetings and prepare presentations


Other duties and responsibilities as assigned


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Research Specialist A - The research specialist will be involved in the genetic and genomic characterization of patient derived samples, particularly in the generation of massively parallel sequencing data, but also in other sophisticated methodologies. S/he will be responsible for the generation of data and data analysis (including some bioinformatics). S/he will work cooperatively with laboratory members and collaborate with other groups (both laboratory and clinical) on campus. S/he also will be responsible for general laboratory duties/responsibilities as needed. Multi-tasking is important.




The Research Specialist B - The research specialist will undertake the duties outlined for the RS-A position, with the additional expectation that the candidates will develop novel solutions to research questions in addition to employing only established methods. Moreover, it is expected that the RS-B candidate will have a greater laboratory experience than the RS-A candidate, such that s/he can make greater contributions to more complex genetic and genomic studies.




*This position is contingent upon funding*


QualificationsRS-A Bachelor's Degree with 0-1 year of related experience in research and clinical study methodologies




RS-B Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 year of related experience in research and clinical study methodologies


Working ConditionsOffice, Library, Computer Room; Requires extensive safetyPhysical EffortTypically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less






Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine





Pay Range

$35,568.00 - $57,600.00







Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check 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



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.