Research Specialist A/B (Department of Cancer Biology)

University of Pennsylvania

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Carman Li laboratory (www.CarmanLiLab.org) in the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Pennsylvania is hiring a Research Specialist A/B. The Li lab studies unexplored mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities of hereditary cancers, particularly BRCA1/2 breast cancers, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. We use advanced methodologies, including genetically engineered mouse models, organoid cultures, patient samples, and single-cell omics. This is an excellent opportunity to learn a wide array of in vivo, in vitro, and molecular techniques, contribute to cutting-edge research, and help advance the frontiers of cancer biology. The Li lab values a supportive and collaborative environment. Former trainees mentored by Dr. Li have earned publication authorship and successfully transitioned to graduate/medical schools and industry positions. Successful candidates will have a strong background in biology, be highly motivated, and have excellent organizational skills. Responsibilities include supporting daily lab operations and contributing to research projects. Position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Requirements

For RS-A: Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant areas is required.
For RS-B: Bachelor of Science and 1 to 3 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant areas is required.
Experience in one or more of the following is required: mouse models of cancer, cell/organoid culture, lab management.
Highly motivated, have a good work ethic, and work independently and as a team.
Follow protocols with attention to detail.
Produce accurate and high-quality work.
Think creatively to solve problems.
Excellent skills in communication, organization, and time management.

Responsibilities

Assist lab operations (including ordering, inventory, organization, and maintenance of equipment and reagents).
Contribute to research projects (with supervision for RS-A or independently for RS-B), including:
Mouse Work (e.g. colony maintenance, experiments, sample collection and analyses)
2D cell and 3D organoid cultures
Molecular, cell, and tissue analyses (DNA cloning, CRISPR/RNAi gene perturbation, DNA/RNA/protein analysis, flow cytometry, histology)
The RS-B position will also assist with training lab members, including students and postdocs.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

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.