Research Specialist A/B

About the Role

The Amado Laboratory, a part of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist A/B to join a research program focused on the development of gene therapy approaches to treat ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders. The lab utilizes cellular and mouse models to identify therapeutic targets and develop gene therapy-based approaches, including AAV-mediated gene delivery, RNA interference, gene editing, and ASOs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments in immortalized cell lines, patient-derived stem cells, and mouse models of nervous system diseases.
• Identify effective, reliable, and novel strategies by reading published literature.
• Troubleshoot and experiment with new approaches.
• Maintain excellent organization and record-keeping skills.

For Research Specialist B applicants:

• Perform duties with greater autonomy and independence.
• Assist in generating figures, writing Methods sections, and other aspects of manuscript preparation.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Mammalian cell culture (including transfection)
• Molecular/cell biology techniques
• DNA/RNA/protein extraction
• QPCR
• Western blotting
• Molecular cloning
• PCR
• Cell culture (maintenance and transfection)

Preferred (prior experience):

• Mouse handling
• Tissue extraction techniques (brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve)
• Behavior testing
• Sectioning/immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence
• Imaging acquisition and analysis

Qualifications

Research Specialist A

• Bachelor of Science
• 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture (including transfection) and molecular/cell biology is preferred.
• Prior experience working with mice is preferred; openness to it is required.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team is required.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills are required.

Research Specialist B

• Bachelor of Science
• 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture (including transfection) and molecular/cell biology is required.
• Prior experience with mice is strongly preferred.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children (at Penn and other institutions for children)
• Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
• Time Away from Work (vacation, personal time, illness recovery)
• Long-Term Care Insurance (through Genworth Financial)
• Wellness and Work-life Resources
• Professional and Personal Development opportunities
• Access to University Resources (libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries)
• Discounts and Special Services (arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service, movie tickets, theme parks)
• Flexible Work Hours
• Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees)
• Adoption Assistance