Research Specialist A/B

About the role

The Research Specialist A/B will join the Integrative Immunology & Cell Design Laboratory, led by Dr. Mo Haj-Dezfulian at the University of Pennsylvania. The position supports experimental workflows involving mammalian and primary immune-cell culture, T cell receptor cloning and expression, antigen-presentation assays, pooled genetic and antigen-discovery screens, flow cytometry, cell sorting, next-generation sequencing library preparation, single-cell sequencing, and spatial genomic assays. The position also supports laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, sample organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, SOP/ELN documentation, sample tracking, sequencing/library tracking, and coordination of routine experimental workflows.

Responsibilities

• Assist with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry sample preparation, sequencing library preparation, single-cell sequencing sample preparation, pooled screening workflows, sample tracking, documentation, and general laboratory support.
• Contribute to experimental design, protocol optimization, troubleshooting, execution of complex multi-step assays, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, preparation of figures and research summaries, development or refinement of SOPs, and training of junior lab members.

Qualifications

• Research Specialist A - Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Research Specialist B - Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and careful record-keeping.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory.
• Interest in cancer immunology, autoimmunity, T-cell biology, genomics, cell engineering, or related areas of biomedical research.
• Experience With Flow Cytometry, Primary Immune-cell Culture, Single-cell Genomics, spatial profiling, or CRISPR-based screening.
• Familiarity with T-cell biology, antigen presentation, cancer immunology, autoimmunity, or immune-repertoire analysis.
• Basic computational skills, such as R or Python, for data QC, plotting, or routine analysis.
• Prior experience contributing to research projects, abstracts, manuscripts, posters, talks, or scientific presentations.

Position Details

• Position is contingent upon continued funding.
• Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Department / School: Perelman School of Medicine.
• Pay Range: $45,278.00 - $63,600.00 Annual Rate.