Research Specialist

Research Specialist A Job Description Summary

The employee will work closely with the users of the Spatial Transcriptomics Core and the Tissue Processing and Imaging Core at the School of Dental Medicine for 50% effort and will also provide research support in the laboratory of Dr. Tizzano for the remaining 50% effort. For the two cores, the employee will be primarily responsible for performing the 10X Genomics Xenium In Situ workflow and providing instrumentation training (slide scanner, cryostat).

In Dr. Tizzano’s lab, the employee will work on the role of taste receptors in solitary chemosensory cells and macrophages of the gingiva and other mucosae, using a variety of laboratory techniques. This position requires working with animals and working in the PDM vivarium. In each role, the employee will be responsible for general lab maintenance.

The employee will perform benchtop workflow for Xenium In Situ. This is a 3‑day workflow including reagent preparation, slide de‑paraffinization, tissue de‑crosslinking, probe hybridization, ligation, amplification, cell segmentation staining, and Xenium analyzer preparation, loading, and clean‑up. This involves meticulous adherence to a standardized protocol. Prior wet‑lab experience is required, but specialized on‑site training for this specific workflow will be provided.

The employee will be working closely with Dr. Tizzano and the Tizzano Lab personnel and the expected work includes, but is not limited to: experiments of general cell biology and molecular biology, physiology, calcium imaging, cell culture, histology, immune assays, mouse surgery, RNA‑seq, special transcriptomics, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Responsibilities will include Tizzano lab and mouse colony maintenance, including but not limited to chemical inventory, equipment maintenance, receiving ordered supplies, keeping the lab organized, notifying the PI when supplies and chemicals are low for re‑order, and mouse genotyping, breeding and weaning.

Other duties as assigned. Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

School of Dental Medicine

$45,278.00 - $47,500.00 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. Flexible spending accounts are available for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.

• Tuition: Penn’s tuition assistance extends to employees, their spouses, and dependent children, including eligibility for assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans, including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental options with pre‑tax or Roth contributions and a variety of investment choices.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides substantial paid time off throughout the year for vacation, personal matters, illness, or injury.

• Long‑Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers long‑term care insurance for employees and eligible family members, with optional underwriting based on health status.

• Wellness and Work‑Life Resources: Penn supports faculty and staff balance through various programs and resources aimed at health, family, and work‑life equilibrium.

• Professional and Personal…