Research Specialist B - (Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics)
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Posted Job Title
Research Specialist B - (Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics)
Job Profile Title
Research Specialist B
Job Description Summary
Seeking a Research Specialist B to work as part of a clinical and molecular microbiology research laboratory that is dedicated to understanding the human microbiome and how its changes relate to the emergence of infectious diseases generally and antibiotic-resistant infections, in particular.
Job Description
We are seeking a Research Specialist B to work as part of a clinical and molecular microbiology research laboratory that is dedicated to understanding the human microbiome and how its changes relate to the emergence of infectious diseases generally and antibiotic-resistant infections, in particular. Candidate will be processing human and/or environmental specimens collected as part of several federal grants according to the duties described below. Position will potentially oversee work-study students and part-time laboratory technicians as new funding is received and new studies begin.
Job Responsibilities
Perform techniques for sample processing (pipetting, vortexing, aliquot, and centrifugation) of human and environmental samples for identification of bacterial colonies; specimens can include anatomic samples (e.g., stool, urine, skin, respiratory) as well as environmental samples.
Perform bacterial culture including: maintenance of strains, subculturing, & freezing clinical isolates, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Perform molecular techniques including: PCR, DNA isolation from bacteria, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, assay development.
Perform manufacturing activities including: manufacturing FDA-authorized fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) products, comprised of bacteria from human stool.
General laboratory duties including: reagent preparation, ordering supplies, basic lab cleaning and maintenance.
Creation of study budgets for new, incoming potential or funded studies
Organization and collection of isolates from the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory; use of LabVantage lab inventory system to maintain organization of isolate and DNA collections.
Manage collection and processing of specimens for multi-site clinical trials.
Shipping - hazardous and/or non-hazardous using Penn's eSHIP system.
Function as a safety coordinator and manage the lab's BioRaft account, including altering the chemical inventory, completing lab exposure plans, and ensuring lab staff completes and maintains safety training.
Maintain a daily lab notebook.
Organize results into a REDCap database and an Excel spreadsheet.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and 1-2 years of experience working in biology research or cell and molecular biology. Master's degree preferred.
The ability to communicate & teach, maintain records of experiments, analyze experimental data & maintain records of use of reagents; proficiency in conventional molecular biology and microbiological techniques (sequencing, basic bacterial culture (maintaining cell lines, growing bacteria); this position may require flexibility to work evenings/nights/weekends.
Position is contingent upon continued funding.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$43,888.00 - $57,335.40 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
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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.
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