Research Specialist A/B

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/B

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary
Research Specialist A: The Lambi Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist A to support a growing basic and translational research program focused on extracellular matrix biology, musculoskeletal fibrosis, and tissue regeneration. Dr. Alex Lambi is a plastic and hand surgeon-scientist and cell/matrix biologist at the University of Pennsylvania and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (CMCVAMC). The laboratory studies cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrotic musculoskeletal disease, with particular interest in extracellular matrix proteins involved in collagen homeostasis, matrix remodeling, and fibrosis.

Under the direction of the PI and senior collaborators, the Research Specialist A will perform mammalian cell culture, plasmid-based molecular biology, gene manipulation/CRISPR-Cas9, protein and matrix assays, and development of in vitro models. The position will work across Penn and CMCVAMC and is anticipated to be primarily based long-term within the CReATE Motion Center/Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center (TMRC) at CMCVAMC, while collaborating with investigators in the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at Penn and the broader Penn musculoskeletal research community.

Research Specialist B: The Research Specialist B will perform the same core experimental work with a higher degree of independence and responsibility. In addition to executing experiments, the B-level specialist will independently optimize and troubleshoot cell and molecular biology workflows; establish and validate plasmid, transfection/transduction, and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches; contribute to experimental design and interpretation; help develop new 2D/3D cell and extracellular matrix assays; coordinate complex experiments across collaborating laboratories; and assist with training students or junior research personnel. Prior musculoskeletal biology experience is not required at either level; strong cell and molecular biology fundamentals, initiative, and the ability to learn new approaches are highly valued.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities - Research Specialist A

• Perform mammalian cell culture, including established and primary cell lines, and conduct cell-based experiments examining extracellular matrix production, remodeling, and fibrosis using established or adapted protocols.

• Perform plasmid-based molecular biology, including plasmid preparation, cloning/construct generation, transfection/transduction, PCR/qPCR, and related validation assays with guidance as needed.

• Assist with gene manipulation workflows, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing and validation, and learn new molecular approaches required for ongoing projects.

• Conduct protein and matrix assays, including Western blotting, immunofluorescence/immunocytochemistry, ELISA or related quantitative assays, and recombinant protein characterization as appropriate.

• Collect, organize, quantitatively analyze, and present experimental data; maintain rigorous laboratory records and protocols; identify technical problems and work with the PI/collaborators to troubleshoot them.

• As projects expand, perform or support histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative imaging, tissue processing, microCT, 3D culture, and preclinical animal studies.

• Maintain laboratory reagents, cell lines, samples, supplies, and equipment and coordinate use of shared resources across Penn and CMCVAMC.

Job Responsibilities - Research Specialist B

• Independently plan, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture and cell-based experiments examining extracellular matrix homeostasis, remodeling, and fibrosis.

• Independently perform and optimize plasmid-based molecular biology, including cloning/construct generation, transfection/transduction, PCR/qPCR, and validation of engineered cell systems.

• Establish, optimize, and validate gene manipulation workflows, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing; recommend technical approaches and adapt methods when experiments require new strategies.

• Develop and optimize protein, matrix, and 2D/3D cell-based assays; contribute to experimental design, quantitative analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results.

• Coordinate complex experiments and shared-resource workflows across Penn and CMCVAMC; proactively identify experimental barriers and develop solutions with the PI and collaborators.

• Perform or support histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative imaging, tissue processing, microCT, and preclinical animal studies as projects expand.

• Maintain rigorous laboratory documentation and quality control; manage reagents/cell lines/samples; help establish laboratory protocols and train students or junior research personnel as the laboratory grows.

Qualifications

Research Specialist A Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a related field and 0 to 1 year of relevant laboratory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Strong mammalian cell culture experience is preferred. Experience with plasmid-based molecular biology, cloning/construct generation, transfection/transduction, and/or CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is particularly desirable.

Research Specialist B Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field and 2 to 3 years of relevant laboratory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. The successful B-level candidate should demonstrate greater independence in experimental execution, optimization, troubleshooting, data analysis, and implementation of new techniques. Strong mammalian cell culture experience is preferred; experience with plasmid-based molecular biology and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is particularly desirable. For both levels, prior musculoskeletal biology experience is not required. Candidates should be highly motivated, self-directed, organized, rigorous, collaborative, and enthusiastic about learning new techniques and helping build a new laboratory program.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range
$45,278.00 - $57,335.40 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