Research Specialist, Penn Dental Medicine
University of Pennsylvania

University OverviewThe 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, Penn Dental MedicineJob Profile TitleResearch Specialist CJob Description SummaryThe Research Specialist will play a critical role in overseeing and managing research projects at the direction of Drs. Teles and Coker. While primarily at the Teles Lab, this position will also be within the Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR) joining our dynamic research team. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring the successful planning, execution, and completion of research studies, with a focus on microbiology, immunology and clinical research in the context of periodontal diseases and oral cancer while supporting related studies within the Teles Lab and the CCTR. They will lead in data collection and interpretation and ensure the integrity of research. In conjunction with the Principal Investigators, the Research Specialist will design, optimize and prioritize experimental work in the lab, in addition to reporting and analyzing data.Job Description

The Research Specialist will perform a broad range of experiments to collect and molecularly characterize human biospecimens and in vitro samples. Techniques will include DNA and RNA isolation, cell culture, RT-PCR, bacterial culturing, maintenance of reference strains, growth of bacteria in biofilms, as well as immunoassays. The Research Specialist will design experiments with the Principal Investigator and will be expected to optimize and troubleshoot procedures as needed. The applicant will also keep accurate notebooks, perform data analysis, maintaining the biorepository of samples, track and coordinate the analysis of specimens. They will assist in mentoring postdoctoral researchers, students, and junior staff, fostering a collaborative environment. The Research Specialist will analyze data and prepare manuscripts, figures, and grant sections.

The role includes maintaining the biorepository of samples related to ongoing clinical projects, ensuring CCTR lab's inventory and equipment are well-managed and fully functional. The specialist will assist the PIs with financial and budgetary oversight, ensuring that the lab's financial resources are utilized efficiently.

In addition, general procedures including supply ordering, shipping, and laboratory maintenance will be expected. The specialist will assist the Principal Investigator with financial and budgetary oversight, ensuring efficient use of the lab's financial resources. Compliance with safety standards is vital, and the Research Specialist will ensure the laboratory adheres to all relevant regulations and protocols.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform techniques including DNA and RNA isolation, cell culture, RT-PCR, bacterial culturing, maintenance of reference strains, growth of bacteria in biofilms, as well as immunoassays - 20%
• Ensure that studies/research are conducted safely and according to protocol and in compliance with regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and best practices in research.- 20%
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and interpretation to ensure the accuracy and integrity of research findings. -10%
• Lead the development of research protocols and methodologies, manage the detailed operations of projects, analyze qualitative and quantitative data -10%
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and staff in laboratory practices and techniques, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.- 10%
• Document and organize experimental data ensuring that accurate logs and records are maintained -5%
• Day-to-day management of complex research projects in collaboration with internal and external partners at Penn.-5%
• Maintains the biorepository of samples related to projects and ensures adequate lab organization, inventory and supplies as well as lab equipment are maintained. -5%
• Supports the research team in designing and conducting research and development projects including, but not limited to development of research protocols and methodologies, proposal development, research design, data collection, basic statistical analysis of data, and report writing. -5%
• Supports PI in reviewing financial/budget reports of the lab. - 5%
• Performs additional duties as assigned. - 5%

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree and at least 3-5 years of "wet bench" experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Experience in performing immunoassays and nucleic acids assays, maintaining cell cultures and microbial strains.
• Experience in a research management role, with a strong background in immunology, microbiology and clinical research, is preferred.
• Excellent organization skills and understanding of research methodologies and data analysis
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team of researchers.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and ethical considerations in clinical research.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis, project and lab management, such as Excel, TotalLab, Phoretix, GraphPad Prism, Elpro and Freezerworks.

Please include a cover letter with your application.

Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolSchool of Dental MedicinePay Range$43,919.00 - $64,405.00 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, 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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