University of Pennsylvania Hiring for Research Specialist A/B (Department of Otorhinolaryngology) at Stemmler Hall (Med) Full Time

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 A/B (Department of Otorhinolaryngology)Job Profile TitleResearch Specialist AJob Description SummaryThe Geffen laboratory, https://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing/, at the University of Pennsylvania, has an opening for a research specialist. We seek a creative, friendly, and responsible individual interested in systems neuroscience to join our team. Our laboratory studies the neuronal circuits for sound perception and auditory learning. We also work on mouse models of autism spectrum disorders with the focus on auditory sensitivity.

Our laboratory is a close community of energetic scientists striving to help each other while exploring the mysteries of the brain. Our trainees have won numerous awards and have been awarded government and private foundation grants. We value diversity and promote equity in the scientific community and beyond. The systems neuroscience community at the University of Pennsylvania is top-notch and highly collaborative, and our lab members will have opportunities to engage in interdepartmental initiatives, including MindCore, MINS, and CNI. Penn has a gorgeous campus and offers many cultural activities. Philadelphia is a beautiful city with world-class music, food, and entertainment.Job Description

The Research Specialist A/B will conduct research and provide technical support to several projects using electrophysiological, optogenetic, imaging, and/or behavioral methods in rodents. The position requires basic knowledge of neuroscience, biology, and chemistry. Responsibilities include behavioral training of rodents, assistance with electrophysiological, optogenetic, and imaging experiments, cryopreservation and immunohistochemistry of brain tissue, organization and maintenance of laboratory logs and data, and general laboratory maintenance. Ability to keep accurate records and excellent organizational skills are essential.

Research Specialist B

• Conducted laboratory research, troubleshot problems, analyzed data, designed new research experiments and publications, and prepared presentations.
• Participate in lab management, help support lab setup and operations, and oversee ordering, organization, and maintenance of reagents, equipment, and protocols.
• Train and supervise other lab members as needed, providing scientific and technical expertise and guidance for ongoing projects.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

The position is contingent on continued funding.

Qualifications

Research Specialist A:

A Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or psychology and 0 to 1 year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required. Must have strong organizational skills, good written and verbal communication skills, the ability to learn new techniques and analytical methods, and the ability to be a reliable and enthusiastic team player. Training and mentoring will be provided.

Research Specialist B:

A Bachelor’s Degree and 1 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

All qualifications for Research Specialist B plus 2 years of experience in laboratory research are preferred. Master’s degree preferred.

Must have strong organizational skills, good written and verbal communication skills, the ability to learn new techniques and analytical methods, and the ability to be a reliable and enthusiastic team player. Training and mentoring will be provided—the ability to troubleshoot experiments is expected.

Working Conditions:
Office, Library, Computer Room: Requires extensive safety training and/or requires protective devices, Exposure to Chemicals

Physical Effort:
Typically sitting at a desk or table, Typically standing and walking, Intermittent sitting, standing, and stooping, Occasionally lifting 25 lb. or less.

Job Location – City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolPerelman School of MedicinePay Range$36,368.00 – $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