Research Specialist D (Human Genome Editing)

Research Specialist D (Human Genome Editing)University OverviewThe 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 Employers By State in 2021.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.COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at the University of Pennsylvania. New hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work at the University. For more information about Penn's vaccine requirements and the use of Penn Open Pass, visit the Penn COVID-19 Response website for the latest information. Posted Job TitleResearch Specialist D (Human Genome Editing)Job Profile TitleResearch Specialist DJob Description SummaryThe Human Genome Editing Research Specialist D will assist the Director in the management of the laboratory, including organization of the lab space, managing equipment, software, protocols, and documentation. The applicant will provide support for multiple research projects related to improving cell and gene therapy products in the Center for Cellular Immunotherapy (CCI) at the University of Pennsylvania.Position contingent upon funding.Job DescriptionThis individual will report directly to the Director and be responsible for development and implementation of assays supporting all the research activities at the Human Genome Editing Lab (HGEL). Primary duties will include clinical-scale cell processing for the isolation, genetic modification, expansion, formulation and cryopreservation of defined human hematopoietic cell fractions and isolation, expansion and cryopreservation of tumor cell populations and the development and implementation of cell-based assays supporting the improvement of clinical cell products. The individual will provide technical support of in vitro and in vivo experiments including molecular biology, cell culture and flow cytometry for future post-doctoral fellows and graduate students in the laboratory. Additional responsibilities will include the development and validation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cell product modification and upscaling important for clinical manufacturing, performance of assays, data analysis and presentation of data, laboratory management duties including materials and equipment management, training of others in techniques and procedures, and interactions with vendors. Expertise with handling and processing of primary clinical samples, genetic engineering using viral or non-viral delivery methods, multi-color flow cytometry, general laboratory operations, and animal experimentation are pre-requisites for this position. This position requires extensive organizational skills, trouble-shooting capabilities, communication skills, team-work, accurate documentation and personal responsibility. Finally, the Human Genome Editing Research Specialist D will interact cross-functionally with members of the Product Development Lab (PDL), the Cell and Vaccine Production Facility (CVPF), and Translational and Correlative Sciences Lab (TCSL) for translation of new processes and genetically-engineered cellular products to the clinic.Qualifications: Master's degree in Biology or related science and 3-5 years of relevant experience in hematology, genetic engineering and related disciplines required. PhD preferred. Previous lab experience in areas of hematopoietic stem cells, mouse models and tumor biology preferred Strong background and demonstrated experience in hemato/oncology, especially in tissue culture, genetic manipulation including lentiviral vectors and state-of-the art CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, and flow cytometry Self-starter Independent worker Strong motivation to establish and maintain a laboratory Strong communication skills (verbal and written) Strong experience working in research teams and directly participating in research studies Strong multitasking abilities and an extremely high-level of reliability and dependability Excellent organizational record keeping skills are necessary Strong interpersonal skills Preferred: Understanding of cell manufacturing or product development. Prior experience with providing support for complex, translational research projects with multiple stakeholders.Working ConditionsOffice, Library, Computer Room; Requires extensive safetyPhysical EffortTypically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or lessJob Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolPerelman School of MedicinePay Range$50,684.00 - $77,716.00Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.Special Requirements Background check 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 at Penn. Your 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 during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be. Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting. Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance. Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally. University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free. Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks. Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures. Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements. Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Smilow-Center-for-Translational/Research-Specialist-D--Human-Genome-Editing-_JR00046661-1