Research Specialist C/D

About the role

The Penn‑CHOP Lung Biology Institute in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly skilled histopathologist as a Research Specialist C to join a dynamic, cutting‑edge research team exploring regenerative lung biology. The position involves independent precision tissue processing (cryostat, vibratome, microtome, Compresstome), complex histological techniques (H&E, novel antibody staining/QC, antigen retrieval, in situ hybridization, RNAScope, 3D spatial techniques such as 10X Visium), training and supervising lab staff on histopathology protocols, maintaining large histology databases, daily interaction with senior researchers to produce publication‑quality staining and images, contributing to new technique development, generating data for top‑tier publications and grant applications, assisting with general lab maintenance, and the opportunity to pursue independent research projects and advance one’s own education. This position is contingent upon favorable funding.

Responsibilities

Research Specialist C

• Perform tissue paraffin and agarose embedding and various sectioning techniques (Microtome, Cryostat, Vibratome, Compresstome) of human and mouse samples at micron thickness.
• Perform immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and affinity‑based chemical reactions on slides for downstream antigen analyses.
• Perform highly sensitive RNA quantification (RNAScope), optimizing RNA probes across multiple transcripts and combining with traditional immunohistochemistry.
• Perform 3D spatial transcriptomics and other 3D histology next‑generation sequencing platforms.
• Collaborate with senior lab members to discuss projects and results, develop independent long‑term project goals, assist with generation and preparation of data for manuscript and grant submissions.
• Ensure paraffin‑embedded sections are carefully organized and catalogued for human and mouse biorepositories; maintain databases for antibodies and all experimental conditions and results.
• Other duties as assigned.

Research Specialist D

• Perform tissue paraffin and agarose embedding and various sectioning techniques (Microtome, Cryostat, Vibratome, Compresstome) of multiple species.
• Perform immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and affinity‑based chemical reactions on slides for downstream antigen analyses.
• Perform highly sensitive RNA quantification (RNAScope), optimizing RNA probes across multiple transcripts and combining with traditional immunohistochemistry.
• Perform 3D spatial transcriptomics and other advancing/new histology technology platforms as they are developed.
• Collaborate on research experiments with senior lab members, discuss projects and results, develop independent long‑term project goals, assist with data generation for manuscripts and grants, routinely present data in lab meetings, and provide ad hoc histology training to new staff.
• Ensure paraffin‑embedded sections are carefully organized and catalogued for human and mouse biorepositories; maintain databases for antibodies and all experimental conditions and results.
• Maintain a well‑documented lab notebook for all research projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Research Specialist C

• Bachelor of Science degree and 3–5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Research Specialist D

• Master of Science degree and 3–5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay

Annual salary range: $58,506 – $77,000. Offers are based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position requirements, aligned with external market data for the job level and internal peer data at Penn.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses (pre‑tax).
• Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) with pre‑tax or Roth options; investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Substantial paid time away (vacation, personal, sick, family).
• Long‑term care insurance via Genworth Financial (no health proof required for newly hired employees; eligible family members subject to underwriting).
• Wellness and work‑life resources, professional and personal development programs.
• Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural events (many free or discounted).
• Discounts on arts/entertainment, transportation, mortgages, vehicles (Ford, GM), cellular plans, movie tickets, theme parks.
• Flexible work options (non‑traditional hours, locations, job structures).
• Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees buying or residing in West Philadelphia (closing costs or improvements).
• Adoption assistance: reimbursement of qualified expenses (travel, court fees) for up to two adoptions per household.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Department: Perelman School of Medicine

Special requirements: Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer; consideration tailored to job requirements.