Research Specialist C at University of… · Philadelp…

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 C

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist C

Job Description Summary

The candidate will have a central role in supporting the research mission of the High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Core by leading efforts in recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization. This individual will generate high-quality protein reagents to enable assay development, small-molecule and genetic screening, and mechanistic follow-up studies for a wide range of collaborative research projects. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in protein biochemistry, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with investigators across diverse biomedical disciplines.

The candidate will independently design strategies for recombinant protein expression and purification using bacterial, insect, and/or mammalian systems. The ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot purification protocols using chromatographic methods (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion) to achieve proteins with appropriate yield, purity, and activity is essential. The candidate will also be required to characterize purified proteins using biochemical and biophysical assays, including but not limited to SDS-PAGE, Western blot, activity assays, and differential scanning fluorimetry. The ability to perform other basic molecular biology assays such as PCR and DNA gel electrophoresis is required. The Candidate will independently coordinate recombinant protein expression and purification on a daily to weekly basis. They will also be responsible for maintaining articulate documentation of workflows and contribute to data quality control to ensure reproducibility. The candidate will also be required to read relevant scientific literature to for establishing new technologies and protocols for recombinant protein expression and purification in the laboratory. They will provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and trainees in protein purification and collaborate with HTS scientists to adapt purified proteins for use in biochemical and cell-based assay platforms. In conjunction with the Scientific and Technical Directors, engage with faculty to plan and execute protein production strategies that support new screening initiatives.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Recombinant Protein purification

• Eukaryotic Cell culture including Sf9 and Expi293 cells

• Design Protein Expression Vectors

• Recombinant Protein Production in E. coli

• Maintain articulate work records and create data reports

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field with 3+ years of postdoctoral or relevant experience, or M.S. with 7+ years of hands-on protein purification experience preferrred
• Proven expertise in recombinant protein production, purification, and characterization is required, including familiarity with operation and maintenance of chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA or equivalent). A strong record of collaborative research and excellent written and oral communication skills is required.  Experience in an academic core, shared resource, or service-oriented environment is highly desirable.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$57,500.00 - $67,794.79 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.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay