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 Pennu2019s 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 Americau2019s 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 This is a research position within the Lee Lab in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. The Research Specialist A/B will conduct research and provide technical support to lab projects studying respiratory cell biology and physiology, including how bitter and sweet taste receptors regulate innate immune responses in the respiratory tract in relationship to chronic rhinosinusitis and cystic fibrosis. The Research Specialist will be trained in live-cell fluorescence imaging, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques in cultured and primary cells as required. The Research Specialist will be trained in isolation and culture of primary cells from human nasal tissue. Responsibilities include: maintaining cell culture and transfecting cells, performing routine molecular biology work (e.g. cloning and minipreps of plasmids, RNA isolation), contributing toward general lab maintenance (making solutions, cleaning glassware, etc.), and carrying out experiments, including but not limited to measurements of cell proliferation, metabolism, signaling, calcium imaging, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. An ability to keep accurate records and excellent organizational skills are essential. Other necessary qualifications are an ability to take direction and work well with others, oral and written communication skills, and an ability to learn new techniques and be self-motivated. The research specialist will be expected to assist with writing/drafting parts of any scientific papers (methods, results) including the data they generate. While training in specific lab techniques will be provided, the ideal candidate will have some prior biology lab-related experience and a strong background in biomedical sciences. Job Description Job Responsibilities + Research Specialist A: Plans and conducts basic experiments to meet research project objectives, with close supervision. Assists in supporting human cell culture and performing laboratory experiments as directed. Daily management of laboratory equipment as needed and upkeep of notes and documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables. Closely collaborates with Principal Investigator (PI) and other laboratory personnel on experimental laboratory work set ups in accordance with established protocols. u200b + Research Specialist B: Plans and conducts competent experiments involving Molecular biology (DNA cloning, plasmid preparation and purification, PCR), Conducting live cell imaging experiments on cultured human primary cells and collecting data, Maintenance of human cell culture, General laboratory upkeep (restocking supplies, preparing solutions, lab glassware prep, equipment maintenance), Database and records maintenance, data organization, data analysis, lab notebook recording. Position is contingent on continued funding.

Created: 2025-10-13