Research Specialist A

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 A Job Profile Title Research Specialist A Job Description Summary The Wan Lab at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to join our team studying basic mechanisms of gene regulation and how their dysregulation contributes to cancer and developmental disease. Specifically, we employ multidisciplinary approaches to understand how chromatin-associated factors and their aberrant assemblies influence chromatin function and gene regulation at the molecular level, and how these mechanisms control cell fate during development and tumorigenesis. We are also actively leveraging these insights to develop novel therapeutic strategies. This position offers an exceptional training opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a cutting-edge laboratory environment. The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, senior postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other lab members to support multiple ongoing projects, particularly those focused on biomolecular condensates, chromatin and transcriptional regulation, and developmental epigenetics. Our lab is affiliated with the Department of Cancer Biology, the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, the Penn Epigenetics Institute, and the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, providing the candidate with a rich academic environment and a dynamic community for professional development beyond the lab. Position in contingent on continued grant support. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Assist senior lab members with ongoing projects Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, RT-qPCR, cloning, plasmid construction, and CRISPR-based functional screens Execute cell biology and imaging assays including immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy Contribute to epigenomic and genomic studies including next-generation sequencing sample preparation and related workflows Support stem cell and developmental biology projects including culture and differentiation of iPSCs Assist with mouse colony maintenance including breeding setup, genotyping, record keeping, and coordination with animal facility staff Maintain accurate, organized, and reproducible records of experimental procedures, results, sample inventories, and data analyses Participate in laboratory maintenance including ordering supplies, inventory management, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related field and 0-1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Prior research experience in an academic or biomedical laboratory with a demonstrated ability to conduct careful, rigorous, and reproducible science Hands-on experience in molecular biology, cloning, mammalian cell culture, and animal work. Ability to learn new technologies, manage multiple tasks, communicate effectively, and work with attention to detail and scientific integrity Preferred Qualifications Experience with confocal microscopy, quantitative imaging, and image analysis Experience with molecular cloning, viral production, pooled genetic screens, next-generation sequencing sample preparation, and epigenomic/transcriptomic assays Experience with iPSC and organoid culture, differentiation systems, developmental biology models, or cancer model systems Interest in chromatin biology, biomolecular condensates, cancer epigenetics Professional Growth Opportunities Acquire broad technical training in molecular biology, functional genomics, stem cell biology, imaging, chromatin biology, and cancer epigenetics Participate in project planning, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific discussions Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to journal clubs and manuscript-related discussions Contribute directly to impactful research projects with opportunity to earn authorship on scientific manuscripts Receive mentoring from the PI, senior postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students in experimental design, scientific communication, data interpretation, and career development Position is contingent upon continued grant support. Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department / School Perelman School of Medicine Pay Range $45,278.00 - $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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Special Requirements Background checks may be 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. To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.