The research specialist A will assist lab members in a variety of tasks, primarily focused on the production and testing of protein conjugated m. RNA lipid nanoparticles. The person who fills this position will produce in vitro transcribed RNA and use this RNA in experiments exploring novel RNA-based vaccines and therapeutic applications. They will produce and quality check the RNA produced using various methods. They will assist in immunization and treatment of small animal models of disease an... more details
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Posted Job Title
Research Specialist A (Department of Microbiology)
Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A
Job Description Summary
The research specialist A will assist lab members in a variety of tasks, primarily focused on the production and testing of protein conjugated mRNA lipid nanoparticles. The person who fills this position will produce in vitro transcribed RNA and use this RNA in experiments exploring novel RNA-based vaccines and therapeutic applications. They will produce and quality check the RNA produced using various methods. They will assist in immunization and treatment of small animal models of disease and in vitro/ex vivo evaluation of RNA protein expression in cell culture models and primary cells from blood or tissues of humans, mice, or non-human primates. As such, they will maintain cell lines and primary cell cultures for their experiments. They will analyze their results using methods such as flow cytometry, ELISAs, neutralization assays, and other molecular biology techniques (gel electrophoresis, western blot, PCR, etc.). They will work primarily with one senior member of the lab primarily focusing on infectious disease applications of RNA vaccines and therapeutics (HIV-1, HSV, SARS-CoV-2) or autoimmunity (Type-1 diabetes), but may have opportunity to contribute to other projects/team members as time allows. In addition, the technician will assist in the process of human and non-human primate tissues and blood, which may occasionally occur in the evenings or late at night.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
- Production and evaluation of in vitro transcribed RNA
- Cell culture work
- General molecular biology (gel electrophoresis, western blot, PCR, ELISA) and flow cytometry
- Small animal work (immunizations, assistance in vivo experiments
- Data management and presentations
- Human and non-human primate tissue and blood processing
- General lab maintenance
Position is contingent upon continued funding.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 1-2 years of experience is preferred.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$36,368.00 - $50,000.00 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.
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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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