Research Specialist C - Logo

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Department: Perelman School of Medicine | Position contingent upon grant funding

About the role

The Breast Cancer Translational Research Group seeks a Research Specialist C to conduct translational preclinical breast cancer research using organoids, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and cell culture systems. The successful candidate will work with investigators to evaluate experimental therapies, including radiotherapies, and investigate treatment response and mechanisms of cancer cell death. This position requires hands-on experience with animal studies and mammalian cell culture, the ability to design and conduct experiments independently, and careful attention to experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility. There is an expectation that the candidate can design entire animal studies with little oversight, including those investigating novel compounds and novel radiotracers. This scientist will work closely with both the PennRad and PennMedicine Biobank teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and passage breast cancer PDX models, including tumor implantation, monitoring, tissue collection, cryopreservation, and tracking of model identity and passage history
• Conduct in vivo treatment studies, including preparation and administration of study compounds, tumor measurements, body weight monitoring, and assessment of treatment response and tolerability
• Perform animal handling, anesthesia, blood collection, necropsy, and tissue harvesting within approved protocols and institutional training requirements
• Monitor animal health and study endpoints, maintain accurate animal records, and coordinate with veterinary and animal facility staff
• Maintain breast cancer cell lines using aseptic technique, including routine culture, expansion, cryopreservation, and quality control
• Conduct cell-based experiments to evaluate drug response, proliferation, viability, and mechanisms of cell death
• Process tumor, blood, and other tissue samples for downstream cellular, molecular, and histologic analyses
• Plan experiments with investigators, troubleshoot technical problems, optimize protocols, and organize and analyze experimental data
• Maintain complete laboratory records and sample inventories; prepare figures and summaries for laboratory meetings, reports, and manuscripts
• Maintain supplies and equipment needed for assigned studies and assist with training laboratory personnel in established methods
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree and 3 to 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Hands-on experience with animal studies and mammalian cell culture
• Ability to design and conduct experiments independently
• Strong attention to experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility
• Capability to design entire animal studies with minimal oversight, including studies investigating novel compounds and novel radiotracers
• Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer; consideration will be tailored to the requirements of the job

Pay

Annual salary range: $58,506.00 – $67,794.79. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s 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 job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits; flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
• 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, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options; investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
• Substantial time away from work for vacation, personal affairs, illness, and family
• Long-term care insurance through Genworth Financial (no proof of good health or underwriting required for newly hired employees; eligible family members subject to underwriting)
• Wellness and work-life resources to support health, family, and work-life balance
• Professional and personal development resources
• Access to University resources: libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural events (many free or discounted for staff and family)
• Discounts and special services: arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular plans, movie tickets, theme parks, vehicle purchases (Ford, GM)
• Flexible work options including non-traditional hours, locations, and job structures
• Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia (closing costs or home improvements)
• Adoption assistance: reimbursement for qualified expenses (travel, court fees) for up to two adoptions per household