Research Specialist at Penn – Systems Immunology, Genomics & Bioengineering
The Research Specialist A/B will join the Integrative Immunology & Cell Design Laboratory, led by Dr. Mo Haj-Dezfulian at the University of Pennsylvania.
Our lab studies how T cells recognize antigens and how these recognition events shape autoimmunity, cancer, infection, and immune-mediated disease. We use experimental and computational approaches in immunology, molecular biology, genomics, cell engineering, antigen discovery, and high-throughput screening.
This position is a strong fit for candidates who have recently graduated, or are soon to graduate, and are looking for a meaningful research experience before applying to medical school, a PhD program, MD-PhD training, or a longer-term career in biomedical research.
The Research Specialist A/B will support experimental workflows involving mammalian and primary immune-cell culture, T cell receptor cloning and expression, antigen-presentation assays, pooled genetic and antigen-discovery screens, flow cytometry, cell sorting, next-generation sequencing library preparation, single-cell sequencing, and spatial genomic assays.
The position will also support general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, sample organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, SOP and ELN documentation, sample tracking, sequencing and library tracking, and coordination of routine experimental workflows.
Job Responsibilities
The Research Specialist A role is intended for a candidate with foundational research experience who will perform routine and moderately complex laboratory procedures under close supervision. The Research Specialist A will assist with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry sample preparation, sequencing library preparation, single-cell sequencing sample preparation, pooled screening workflows, sample tracking, documentation, and general laboratory support.
In addition to the duties above, the Research Specialist B will be expected to work with greater scientific and technical independence. The Research Specialist B will contribute to experimental design, protocol optimization, troubleshooting, execution of complex multi-step assays, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, preparation of figures and research summaries, development and refinement of SOPs, and training of junior lab members.
The Research Specialist B may independently coordinate established workflows involving primary human immune cells, engineered antigen-presenting cells, TCR-expressing reporter cells, pooled antigen or CRISPR screens, next-generation sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and spatial genomics.
All candidates will have opportunities to build technical and scientific skills in immunology, antigen presentation, T cell biology, genomics, molecular biology, and cell engineering. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to lab meetings, project meetings, research summaries, figures, posters, manuscripts, grant reports, and, when appropriate, departmental or external scientific meetings.
Qualifications
Research Specialist A: Bachelor of Science and 0–1 year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Research Specialist B: Bachelor of Science and 1–2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Additional Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, careful record-keeping, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory.
Interest in cancer immunology, autoimmunity, T cell biology, genomics, cell engineering, antigen presentation, or related areas of biomedical research is strongly encouraged.
Prior experience with any of the following is helpful but not required for all applicants: flow cytometry, mammalian or primary immune-cell culture, molecular cloning, sequencing library preparation, single-cell genomics, spatial profiling, CRISPR-based screening, immune-repertoire analysis, or basic computational analysis using R or Python.
Candidates who have contributed to research projects, abstracts, manuscripts, posters, talks, or other scientific presentations are especially encouraged to apply.
Job Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Pay Range
$45,278.00–$63,600.00 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.