Research Specialist A​/B - Epidemiology Division

Posted Job Title

Research Specialist A/B
- Epidemiology Division

Research Specialist A

The Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (DBEI) and the Antimicrobial Resistance, Healthcare Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Stewardship (ARES) Research Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a full‑time Clinical Research Specialist (RS‑A/B). The candidate will serve as the primary laboratory technician for the PI.

The Research Specialist will serve as the primary technician on multiple research studies. Position duties include specimen processing, culturing bacteria, reagent and media preparation, organization and storage of bacterial isolates, biobanking, and participation as part of a research team. Position will potentially oversee work‑study students and part‑time laboratory technicians. This position is for 1‑2 years with possible extension based on funding.

The Research Specialist B will perform all above duties and will oversee work‑study students and part‑time laboratory technicians.

• Specimen Processing:
  Perform techniques for sample processing (plating bacterial cultures, pipetting, vortexing, aliquot, and centrifugation) of human and environmental samples for identification of bacterial colonies; specimens can include anatomic samples (e.g., stool, urine, skin, respiratory) as well as environmental samples.
• Bacterial Storage & Library:
  Use Lab Vantage lab inventory system to maintain organization of isolates and DNA collections. Preparing cell lysate cultures and organizing them for submission for whole genome sequencing.
• General laboratory duties including recording results and methods in a daily lab notebook, data collection forms, REDCap database, and an Excel spreadsheet; reagent preparation, ordering supplies, basic lab cleaning, quality control, and maintenance.
• Bacterial Culturing Methods:
  Maintenance of bacteria, preparing culture liquid and solid culture media, isolation of pure colonies from mixed cultures, subculturing, freezing isolates for storage.
• Attend regular meetings with Penn team and collaborators and provide regular status reports.
• Perform bacterial growth rate and phenotypic assays using an automated plate reader.
• Biobanking:
  Organization and collection of isolates from the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory weekly or overseeing/working with student employee in this task. Maintaining list of biobanked isolates.
• Potentially perform molecular techniques including: PCR, DNA isolation from bacteria, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, and DNA preps.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree with related experience working in biology or microbiology research; ability to communicate & teach, strong organizational skills, time management, proficiency in microbiological techniques (obtaining pure culture, subculturing, freezing isolates); familiarity with Microsoft Office applications; REDCap and Lab Vantage experience preferred. This position may require flexibility to work evenings/nights/weekends.

Research Specialist-A Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Research Specialist-B Bachelor of Science and 1 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master’s Degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is PREFERRED.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perelman School of Medicine

$44,500.00 - $57,335.40 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…