Research Specialist

Research Specialist A

The Wan Lab at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to join our team studying basic mechanisms of gene regulation and how their dysregulation contributes to cancer and developmental disease. Specifically, we employ multidisciplinary approaches to understand how chromatin-associated factors and their aberrant assemblies influence chromatin function and gene regulation at the molecular level, and how these mechanisms control cell fate during development and tumorigenesis.

We are also actively leveraging these insights to develop novel therapeutic strategies. This position offers an exceptional training opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a cutting-edge laboratory environment. The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, senior postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other lab members to support multiple ongoing projects, particularly those focused on biomolecular condensates, chromatin and transcriptional regulation, and developmental epigenetics.

Our lab is affiliated with the Department of Cancer Biology, the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, the Penn Epigenetics Institute, and the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, providing the candidate with a rich academic environment and a dynamic community for professional development beyond the lab. Position in contingent on continued grant support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist senior lab members with ongoing projects
• Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, RT-qPCR, cloning, plasmid construction, and CRISPR-based functional screens
• Execute cell biology and imaging assays including immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Contribute to epigenomic and genomic studies including next-generation sequencing sample preparation and related workflows
• Support stem cell and developmental biology projects including culture and differentiation of iPSCs
• Assist with mouse colony maintenance including breeding setup, genotyping, record keeping, and coordination with animal facility staff
• Maintain accurate, organized, and reproducible records of experimental procedures, results, sample inventories, and data analyses
• Participate in laboratory maintenance including ordering supplies, inventory management, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related field and 0-1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Prior research experience in an academic or biomedical laboratory with a demonstrated ability to conduct careful, rigorous, and reproducible science
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, cloning, mammalian cell culture, and animal work.
• Ability to learn new technologies, manage multiple tasks, communicate effectively, and work with attention to detail and scientific integrity

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with confocal microscopy, quantitative imaging, and image analysis
• Experience with molecular cloning, viral production, pooled genetic screens, next-generation sequencing sample preparation, and epigenomic/transcriptomic assays
• Experience with iPSC and organoid culture, differentiation systems, developmental biology models, or cancer model systems
• Interest in chromatin biology, biomolecular condensates, cancer epigenetics

Professional Growth Opportunities:

• Acquire broad technical training in molecular biology, functional genomics, stem cell biology, imaging, chromatin biology, and cancer epigenetics
• Participate in project planning, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific discussions
• Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to journal clubs and manuscript-related discussions
• Contribute directly to impactful research projects with opportunity to earn authorship on scientific manuscripts
• Receive mentoring from the PI, senior postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students in experimental design, scientific communication, data interpretation, and career development

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$45,278.00 - $50,000.00 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…