Research Specialist C​/D; Department of Rheumatology

Posted Job Title

Research Specialist C/D (Department of Rheumatology)

We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic individual who has a strong background in molecular cloning, recombinant protein production, and immunology. The research specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other lab members on publication‑generating projects to understand immune dysregulation in autoimmune diseases. The specialist will generate and optimize protocols for recombinant protein production and help develop new approaches for detecting autoreactive, virus‑specific, and cross‑reactive T cells.

Expertise in producing and purifying recombinant proteins from bacterial, insect cell, and mammalian systems is expected, as is a computational background for high‑dimensional protein expression, RNA sequencing, and TCR sequencing data analyses. The research specialist will enjoy a high level of independence and be able to take the lead on projects. We are team‑oriented and collaborative.

• Plan and conduct complex experiments to meet research project objectives, including producing and purifying recombinant proteins independently using various expression platforms.
• Generate expression constructs for new proteins using molecular cloning techniques.
• Troubleshoot and optimize experiments.
• Operate flow cytometer independently.

• In addition to the responsibilities of Research Specialist C, be proficient in bioinformatic tools and programming languages such as R and Python.
• Develop new techniques for single‑cell antigen‑specific T cell analyses.
• Perform high‑dimensional protein expression, RNA sequencing, and TCR sequencing data analyses independently.
• Assist with manuscript and grant writing and provide training to students in the laboratory.

• Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Excellent organizational and record‑keeping skills.

Position contingent upon funding.

Job Location:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School:
Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range: $57,500.00 - $76,973.00 Annual Rate

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

• 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 r dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
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• 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…