Research Specialist A​/B

Research Specialist A/B

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong background in computational biology to join our team. The successful candidate will contribute to publication-driven projects focused on understanding immune dysregulation in autoimmune diseases and identifying novel biomarkers for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Responsibilities include T cell stimulation, antibody staining, cell sorting, constructing bulk and single-cell sequencing libraries, performing RNA-seq, antibody-seq, TCR-seq, and BCR-seq data analyses and integration using R or Python.

The ideal candidate will have experience with flow cytometry, track records of bulk and single-cell RNA, TCR, and BCR sequencing data analysis, proficiency in advanced quantitative statistical methods, and a solid understanding of adaptive immunity, particularly T cell biology. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team is critical. This position offers a high degree of independence, opportunities for project leadership, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge translational immunology research in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Job Responsibilities

Research Specialist A:

Perform blood/tissue sample processing and assist with sample management

Maintain cells in culture and perform T cell stimulation

Perform antibody staining and analyses of cells on flow cytometer

Assist with preparation of sequencing libraries and coordinate sample submission for sequencing

Perform data preprocessing, batch effect correction, and basic analyses of sequencing data.

Research Specialist B

In addition to the duties outlined under Research Specialist A, Research Specialist B will be able to independently sort cells and prepare sequencing libraries. Will also carry out advanced downstream analyses of RNA, antibody, TCR, and BCR sequencing datasets.

Qualifications

Research Specialist A

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

Research Specialist B

Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Preferred:

Research Specialist A:

Basic computational skills in R and/or Python

Have working knowledge of tissue culture and flow cytometry to be able to perform T cell stimulation, antibody staining, and FACS analyses.

Solid understanding of adaptive immunity, especially T cell biology

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Research Specialist B

In addition to qualifications outlined under Research Specialist A, Research Specialist B will have advanced computational skills in R and/or Python, have demonstrated experience analyzing bulk and single cell sequencing data, be able to use statistical/machine learning methods to solve problems, and perform cell sorting and other immunological techniques.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $57,335.40 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Special Requirements 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.

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 r 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…