Research Specialist B (Center for Cellular Immunotherapy)
University of Pennsylvania

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 TitleResearch Specialist B (Center for Cellular Immunotherapy)Job Profile TitleResearch Specialist BJob Description SummaryThe Human Genome Editing Research Specialist B will report directly to the Director and contributes to our team focused on enhancing hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment efficiency for immunotherapeutic applications. The Research Specialist B will play a critical role in executing experimental protocols, analyzing data, and supporting the development of novel strategies to improve HSC engraftment post-transplantation.Job Description

The Research Specialist will actively participate in the development and implementation of assays to support translational research activities at HGEL. Primary responsibilities include assisting in clinical-scale cell processing, genetic modification, expansion, formulation, and cryopreservation of defined human hematopoietic cell fractions. Moreover, they will contribute to the development and implementation of cell-based assays to assess and enhance the potency and safety of next-generation immunotherapeutic cell products. The Research Specialist will also apply mouse models to further demonstrate efficacy.

Technical support for future research projects will be provided through in vitro and in vivo experiments using molecular biology techniques (including NGS approaches), cell culture, and flow cytometric approaches. They will also assist in the development and validation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), perform assays, analyze data, and present findings.

Preferred qualifications for this position include expertise in handling and processing primary clinical samples, genetic engineering using viral or non-viral delivery methods, multi-color flow cytometry, general laboratory operations, and animal experimentation. Strong troubleshooting capabilities, communication skills, teamwork, accurate documentation, reliability, and personal responsibility are essential.

Finally, the Human Genome Editing Research Specialist B will engage in cross-functional collaboration with the Product Development Lab (PDL), the Cell and Vaccine Production Facility (CVPF), and Translational and Correlative Sciences (TCSL) teams to translate new processes and genetically engineered cellular products to the clinic.

Position contingent upon funding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology or related science and 1-3 years of relevant experience in hematology, tumor biology, and related disciplines or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Demonstrates experience in laboratory research , particularly in molecular biology and immunology techniques, including genetic engineering (LV, CRISPR/Cas) are preferred

• Interest in primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell experimentation, (CAR) T cells and flow cytometry

• Strong understanding of cell culture techniques and immunological assays

• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Effective communication and collaboration abilities

• Can work independently

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)

• Experience working in research teams and directly participating in research studies is desired

• Multitasking abilities and high-level of reliability and dependability

• Excellent organizational record keeping skills are necessary

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to develop and maintain multiple internal and external relationships regarding research

Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolPerelman School of MedicinePay Range$37,220.00 - $57,335.40 Annual RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.Special Requirements
Background check 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

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