Research Laboratory Technician

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer, Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions, with the most recent award from Forbes naming Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023. The University offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. Situated on a beautiful urban campus, the location provides easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance, landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.

About the Role

This position serves as a Research Laboratory Technician within the Perelman School of Medicine. The role is designed to support the diagnostic, treatment, and prevention of disease through routine medical laboratory tests and complex technical work. You will assist the laboratory manager with complex maintenance tasks and projects, while also supporting senior-level researchers on various supervised research initiatives.

The day-to-day responsibilities involve a blend of technical execution and laboratory management. You will perform cell culture maintenance, including media changes and passaging, alongside monthly mycoplasma testing. Technical duties include preparing buffers and media, conducting DNA extractions, and performing PCRs. You will also provide critical support in the transfection workflow, such as preparing Matrigel plates, cell seeding, amplifying constructs, and screening single colonies.

Beyond technical tasks, you will ensure the smooth operation of the lab by managing general upkeep, waste removal, and inventory monitoring. You will also assist in generating requisitions (ROs) and placing orders for supplies. This position is contingent upon funding.

Benefits and Community

Penn offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, family, and professional growth. This includes excellent healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and behavioral health), generous retirement plans with matching options, and a wide variety of professional development opportunities.

Employees and their families enjoy unique perks such as tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education at Penn and other institutions. The University also provides substantial time away from work, long-term care insurance, and access to a wealth of health and wellness programs. As a member of the Penn community, you have access to university resources including libraries, athletic facilities, the arboretum, art galleries, and cultural venues like the Penn Museum and Annenberg Center, often at no cost.

Additional support includes flexible work hours, home ownership services with forgivable loans for eligible employees in West Philadelphia, and adoption assistance. Faculty and staff also enjoy discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, and various goods and services.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Special requirements for this position may include a background check after a conditional job offer is made, with consideration tailored to the specific requirements of the job.