Duties: A Research Specialist position is available in the laboratory of Malay Haldar, M.D., Ph.D. in the Department of Pathology at the University of Pennsylvania. Lab studies the development and function of mononuclear phagocytes, a type of immune cells that play pivotal roles in immune responses as well as maintenance of tissue homeostasis. . A major focus of the lab is to study the roles of these cells in sarcoma, a type of deadly cancer. The PI's previous work has established an advanced genetically engineered mouse model of synovial sarcoma that is currently used by many labs to study this cancer. Additionally, the PI has recently demonstrated the role of tissue metabolites in the development of macrophages, which are a type of mononuclear phagocytes. It is now widely accepted that the immune system can recognize cancer cells, but fail to mount an effective immune response as cancer cells employ a range of clever tactics to evade immune recognition and responses. Given the importance of mononuclear phagocytes in orchestrating successful immune responses and their presence in many types of sarcomas we believe that the 'cross-talk' between mononuclear phagocytes and cancer cells are an important determinant of the overall interaction of the immune system with sarcomas. Ongoing work is aimed at uncovering and characterizing the molecular components of this 'cross-talk'. The overarching goal is to translate our findings into meaningful therapeutic approaches in sarcoma. Our approach combines a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches, including the design and development of genetically engineered mouse models.

Position will perform general molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, running nucleic acid agarose gel electrophoresis, protein gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation. Working with live and euthanized mice and perform general tissue culture such as maintenance of cell lines.
The Research Specialist will perform many functions that are central to the mission of our laboratory. This includes performing experiments as well as maintaining laboratory inventory

Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in biological science and 3-5 years of prior laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. A Master's degree is strongly preferred. He/she must be capable of independent work.
This position requires a dedicated individual with previous research experience. You will have the opportunity to carry out your own project (with appropriate supervision), will be an author on any publications that result from your work, and have the opportunity to present your work at local and national meetings. This is a new laboratory and the individual will have the unique experience of being part of the 'first team' with ample one on one interaction with the principal investigator.

Reference Number: 40-30819

Salary Grade: 026

Employment Type: Exempt

Org: PA-Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Special Requirements:

Job Family: I-Technical/Professional Research