Research Specialist B

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

About The Position

We are seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join the Translational Spine and Joint Research Laboratory in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. The successful applicant will conduct experimental work in support of multiple ongoing projects, including those focused on developing minimally-invasive therapies for low back pain and novel treatments for pediatric musculoskeletal disorders, while also contributing to lab management activities. A unique strength of our laboratory’s research program is its translational scope, spanning basic mechanistic studies through preclinical studies in animal models and clinical studies involving human patients. The successful applicant will play an active role in experimental planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and will work closely with trainees and collaborators across multiple projects. The position will include the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and participate in the vibrant scientific life of Penn’s world-renowned Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, with abundant opportunities for educational and professional growth. This position is contingent upon funding.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (minimum) or Master’s degree (preferred) in biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline is required
1-3 years of research experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required
Experience in one or more of the following areas is required: working with animal models (including rodents), cell culture, molecular assays (e.g. qPCR and western blots), histology, imaging (e.g. microscopy and microCT), and soft tissue biomechanics
Competence with PC computers and familiarity with statistical software is required
Eagerness to learn new scientific ideas and methods
Ability to conduct literature reviews to assist in determining suitable methodology
Ability to precisely follow instructions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects and responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced research environment
Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, use good judgment, and ensure the completion of assigned tasks
Understand the scientific rationale behind their experiments and how their work contributes to the broader research goals of the laboratory

Nice To Haves

Experience with analytical software tools is preferred
Previous experience in musculoskeletal research is preferred
Lab management experience, including maintaining inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and maintaining general cleanliness and safety within laboratory areas is preferred

Responsibilities

Experimental planning
Data collection
Data analysis
Data interpretation
Lab management activities
Co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts

Benefits

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
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.
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 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 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.
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.