Research Specialist A/B

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 Penns 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 Americas 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. Posted Job Title Research Specialist A/B Job Profile Title Research Specialist A Job Description Summary This position will support the lab's efforts to advance new therapeutics toward the clinic and contribute to the scientific work published from the lab. Its focus will be assisting with the testing of new engineered T cells and helping evaluate their functional activity, as a single agent or in combination, to enhance therapeutic T cell performance, particularly within tumor microenvironments. This position requires foundational laboratory skills and a willingness to learn CAR T cell manufacturing, flow cytometry, ELISA, and other in vitro assays, as well as basic in vivo mouse handling, working under close supervision. The primary function of this Research Specialist A position is to perform routine in vitro and in vivo mouse study tasks, assist with colony maintenance, and support day-to-day operation of the research bench, all within the BRITE (Shobaki) Lab under the close supervision of Nour Shobaki. The purpose of this position is to support mouse studies by assisting with the generation and characterization of engineered immune therapeutics, growing and developing tumor cells, performing injections, monitoring animal health, weight, and therapeutic responses, and collecting datasets from the study (tumor growth, therapeutic engraftment, histology, ex vivo assays). This position also collects and organizes experimental data and presents results at lab group meetings, under the direction of the Principal Investigator. The primary function of this Research Specialist B position is to conduct in vitro and in vivo mouse studies, and assist with day-to-day operation of the research bench, all within the BRITE (Shobaki) Lab under the direction of Nour Shobaki. The purpose of this position is to support mouse studies by generating and characterizing engineered immune therapeutics, growing and developing tumor cells, performing injections, monitoring animal health, weight, and therapeutic responses, and collecting datasets from the study (tumor growth, therapeutic engraftment, histology, ex vivo assays). This position also documents and organizes experimental data and contributes to the preparation of presentations and research publications, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator. Job Description Job Responsibilities Research Specialist A Perform routine in vitro immunological assays, including CAR T cell manufacturing support, flow cytometry, and ELISA, following established protocols under close supervision. Assist with in vivo mouse studies, including tumor cell and therapeutic injections, animal health monitoring, and tumor growth measurements, under the direct supervision of senior lab staff. Prepare tumor cells and materials for in vivo experiments as directed, maintaining accurate records of preparation and use Collect and record data from animal studies, including weights, tumor measurements, bleeds, and necropsies, under supervision Prepare tissues for downstream analyses (flow cytometry, IHC, spatial transcriptomics) as directed by senior lab staff. Help with general lab operations, including ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining lab organization Collect, organize, and help analyze experimental data; present data at lab group meetings. Maintain accurate records of experiments and lab documentation to support compliance and timely completion of deliverables. Assist with maintenance of the mouse colony under supervision. Research Specialist B Conduct in vitro immunological functional assays, including CAR T cell manufacturing, flow cytometry, and ELISA, following established protocols; troubleshoot experimental issues as they arise. Conduct in vivo mouse studies, executing established protocols under the direction of the PI. Prepare tumor cells and engineered immune therapies for in vivo experiments, documenting their characteristics and performing assays to assess functional performance. Monitor and collect datasets associated with animal studies, including health monitoring and weights, tumor growth (caliper, bioimaging), bleeds, and necropsies. Perform IV, IT, IP, and SC injections of tumor cells and therapeutics. Prepare tissues at necropsy by fixing and isolating cells for functional and flow cytometric analysis, IHC, and spatial transcriptomic studies Document experimental data, perform data analysis, and contribute to the preparation of presentations and research publications under the guidance of the Principal Investigator Participate in lab management and support lab set-up and operations, including ordering, organizing, and maintaining reagents, equipment, and protocols. Characterize transgenic mice and maintain colony. Train and provide guidance to other lab members as needed. Qualifications Research Specialist A Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with 01 year of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Basic laboratory skills, with a willingness to learn immunological assay techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, and cell culture Willingness to work with in vivo mouse models Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Preferred: Prior coursework or research experience in immunology, cell biology, or a related field Exposure to flow cytometry, ELISA, or cell culture techniques Exposure to in vivo mouse handling or animal research Familiarity with laboratory documentation and recordkeeping practices Interest in cancer immunotherapy research Research Specialist B Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with 12 years of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Hands-on experience with in vitro immunological assays, including flow cytometry, ELISA, and cell culture Exposure to in vivo mouse models, including tumor inoculation, therapeutic administration, or monitoring Strong organizational and documentation skills Preferred Experience with CAR T cells or cell-based immunotherapies Experience with co-culture killing assays Experience with tissue processing techniques, including IHC and spatial transcriptomics Experience with bioimaging for tumor growth assessment Familiarity with characterizing transgenic mice or maintaining mouse colonies, including immunodeficient strains (e.g., NSG) Prior contribution to research presentations or publications Familiarity with bioinformatics approaches for spatial transcriptomics or other high-dimensional datasets Familiarity with microbiology Position is contingent upon continued funding. Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department / School Perelman School of Medicine Pay Range $45,278.00 - $57,335.40 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidates 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 jobs 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. 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