Job Responsibilities - Research Specialist A
• Perform mammalian cell culture, including established and primary cell lines, and conduct cell-based experiments examining extracellular matrix production, remodeling, and fibrosis using established or adapted protocols.
• Perform plasmid-based molecular biology, including plasmid preparation, cloning/construct generation, transfection/transduction, PCR/qPCR, and related validation assays with guidance as needed.
• Assist with gene manipulation workflows, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing and validation, and learn new molecular approaches required for ongoing projects.
• Conduct protein and matrix assays, including Western blotting, immunofluorescence/immunocytochemistry, ELISA or related quantitative assays, and recombinant protein characterization as appropriate.
• Collect, organize, quantitatively analyze, and present experimental data; maintain rigorous laboratory records and protocols; identify technical problems and work with the PI/collaborators to troubleshoot them.
• As projects expand, perform or support histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative imaging, tissue processing, microCT, 3D culture, and preclinical animal studies.
• Maintain laboratory reagents, cell lines, samples, supplies, and equipment and coordinate use of shared resources across Penn and CMCVAMC.
Job Responsibilities - Research Specialist B
• Independently plan, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture and cell-based experiments examining extracellular matrix homeostasis, remodeling, and fibrosis.
• Independently perform and optimize plasmid-based molecular biology, including cloning/construct generation, transfection/transduction, PCR/qPCR, and validation of engineered cell systems.
• Establish, optimize, and validate gene manipulation workflows, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing; recommend technical approaches and adapt methods when experiments require new strategies.
• Develop and optimize protein, matrix, and 2D/3D cell-based assays; contribute to experimental design, quantitative analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results.
• Coordinate complex experiments and shared-resource workflows across Penn and CMCVAMC; proactively identify experimental barriers and develop solutions with the PI and collaborators.
• Perform or support histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative imaging, tissue processing, microCT, and preclinical animal studies as projects expand.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory documentation and quality control; manage reagents/cell lines/samples; help establish laboratory protocols and train students or junior research personnel as the laboratory grows.