Research Specialist ; Department of Neurosurgery

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world‑renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly‑regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Research Specialist A (Department of Neurosurgery)

Research Specialist A

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a full‑time Research Specialist who will support a research program developing a visual cortical prosthesis (VCP) for the treatment of blindness. The NIH‑funded research program involves working with large animals to develop and test the next generation of brain‑computer interfaces by integrating neuroengineering, visual neuroscience, and systems electrophysiology.

The Research Specialist will work closely with the faculty and staff to conduct daily experiments and assist in behavioral training. Specific duties will include daily management of laboratory tools, documentation and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables, and additional duties as assigned. Position is contingent upon continued funding.

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a full‑time Research Specialist A who will support a research program developing a visual cortical prosthesis (VCP) for the treatment of blindness. The NIH‑funded research program involves working with large animals to develop and test the next generation of brain‑computer interfaces by integrating neuroengineering, visual neuroscience, and systems electrophysiology.

The Research Specialist will work closely with the faculty and staff to conduct daily experiments and assist in behavioral training. Specific duties will include daily management of laboratory tools, documentation and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and timely completion of project/program deliverables, and additional duties as assigned. The position requires excellent interpersonal skills as part of a team for conducting daily experiments with in vivo testing on large animal models.

This is a fully on‑site position.

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

• Plan and conduct basic science experiments and behavior training in large animal model
• Collect, analyze and interpret data, and present data at group meetings
• General lab management and organization, i.e. equipment/surgical instrument maintenance, protocol renewals, maintain supply inventory and implement purchasing
• Support team/lab members in conducting experiments
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

• Bachelor's degree and 0-1 year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Scientific programming skills (MATLAB, Python) are preferred but not required.
• Experience working with experimental animals is preferred but not required.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perelman School of Medicine

$44,500.00 -…