Research Specialist B
University of PennsylvaniaAbout the role
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 BJob Profile Title
Research Specialist BJob Description Summary
Within a laboratory focused on the immunological and virological aspects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), this position willwork under general supervision, independently and in collaboration with others, to perform research supporting projects that utilize
molecular biology, immunology, and biophysical techniques. Responsibilities include applying methods such as gene cloning, PCR,
site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression, purification and characterization, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, ELISA, HIV
virus titration, infectivity assays, and PBMC isolation. The role also involves data collection, analysis, and interpretation of
preliminary results; operating specialized equipment, such as Octet BLI following training; troubleshooting experimental procedures;
and performing other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Perform and troubleshoot molecular biology, protein biochemistry, immunology, and virology experiments 3
Execute protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows
Perform cell culture and immunological/virological assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry, infectivity ssays) 1
Analyze and document experimental data; prepare figures and summaries
Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure research reproducibility
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment; prepare reagents and buffers
Coordinate experimental timelines and support overall laboratory operations
Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with protein expression and purification, including chromatography-based methods.
● Strong working knowledge of molecular biology and cell culture techniques.
● Experience performing biochemical and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA).
● Ability to work independently within established project goals, troubleshoot experiments, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
● Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to maintain thorough experimental documentation.
● Strong communication and collaboration skills in a team-based research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience with HIV or other viral systems, including virus titration and infectivity assays.
● Experience operating ÄKTA chromatography systems, BLI/Octet instruments, or similar analytical platforms.
● Experience with parallelized or high-throughput protein purification workflows.
● Familiarity with flow cytometry/FACS and related immunological assays.
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