Research Specialist A (Department of Microbiology)

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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 p