Core Associate Scientist, Next-generation

University Overview

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 who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

COVID-19 vaccination or a University authorized exemption is a requirement for all positions at the University of Pennsylvania. For more information about Penn’s vaccine requirements, visit the

Penn COVID-19 Response website

for the latest information.

Posted Job Title

Core Associate Scientist, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) (Gene Therapy Program)

Job Profile Title

Resource Technologist C

Job Description Summary

The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with the great potential to reshape the face of medicine, as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases. GTP is a complex R&D organization consisting of research laboratories supported by multiple core functions which provide internal capacity to perform gene transfer studies from basic research through Phase 1 proof-of-concept human trials.

Continuation of all GTP positions is contingent upon funding.

**Job Description**:
The Nucleic Acid Technologies (NAT) Core at GTP utilizes a variety of cutting-edge Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to serve both the Discovery and Translational research teams. Processing hundreds of samples a month, the core provides both laboratory and software development services for DNA and RNA analysis: on

As a Core Associate Scientist, you will perform a wide range of complex high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation techniques calibrated to your current level of training and experience, including DNA and RNA quantification, fragmentation, quality assessment, PCR, qPCR, Illumina short read sequencing, Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing, 10X Genomics single cell analysis, and automated liquid handling. You will also collect, analyze and interpret quality control (QC) metrics from NGS QC instruments, including ultrasonicators, spectrophotometers, fluorometers and high-resolution automated capillary electrophoresis platforms. Software knowledge and skills appropriate for the primary analysis of genomics data, basic project management, and for team communication required (Examples: Basespace, SnapGene, Microsoft Suite, Slack, MinKnow, Cell Ranger, Loupe Browser). Basic understanding and/or willingness to grow computational skills in unix/linux command line scripting and data management flows on high performance computing clusters needed.

You will join a laboratory team of genome scientists and technologists with a growth mindset and a commitment to innovation. Data analysis will be performed under the guidance of a staff Bioinformatician with many learning opportunities available in computational genome science. In this role, you will learn how to balance many competing priorities under short timelines while contributing innovative ideas to improve quality and efficiency of laboratory operations and services.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree and 5-7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.- Excellent oral/written communication skills required.- Can work both independently and as part of a team.- Innovative technical thinker, meticulous, detail-oriented, and analytical. Excellent time management skills are essential.- Broad knowledge of molecular biology and/or biochemical methods needed.- Previous experience with next generation sequencing required.- Solid command of basic communications, database, and cloud-based software (Microsoft Outlook, Outlook365, Slack) required.- Basic understanding in unix/linux command line scripting on