Technical Director, Animal Transgenesis Core (Biomedical Sciences) - University of Pennsylvania

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.








Posted Job Title

Technical Director, Animal Transgenesis Core (Biomedical Sciences)





Job Profile Title

Associate Director E, Research





Job Description Summary

A technical director position is available at the Center for Animal Transgenesis in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. This core provides genome editing services as well as an array of pre-implantation manipulation services, primarily in mice, to investigators both within and outside of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn).

The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to: consultation with investigators, performing procedures, management of the core staff, compliance with regulatory procedures, IACUC protocols, and management of the core budget. The technical director is expected to directly carry out genome editing and mouse embryo manipulation procedures (and potentially manipulation of other species as well). Candidates should have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and extensive experience (10 yrs) and strong technical skills in mouse husbandry and genetic manipulation, including microinjection of mouse zygotes, mouse blastocyst injection, pronuclear injection, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), somatic nuclear transfer, IVF, embryo cryopreservation, embryo transfer, and kidney capsule grafting. In addition, candidates should have a strong understanding of the knowledge basis of genome eidting. Highly motivated and diligent individuals with strong interpersonal skills are encouraged to apply to this position by providing a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information for three references.

University of Pennsylvania is located in the vibrant Philadelphia metropolitan district and is one of the top research universities in the world.


Highly skilled person proficient in the microinjection of mouse embryos who will work independently to perform all aspects of producing transgenic mice and supervise other lab personnel. Major responsibilities include generation of gene targeted and transgenic mice with skills to include microinjection of zygotes with CRISPR-Cas9 reagents, ES cell blastocyst injection, ES cell morulae aggregation, pronuclear injection of DNA, microsurgery, sperm and embryo cryopreservation, IVF, ICSI (mouse and horse), somatic cell nuclear transfer, germ cell transplantation, kindey capsule grafting, hormone injections for superovulation, checking plugs, and culturing primary and embryonic stem cells. Other requirements include the ability to troubleshoot research and optimize procedures, track relevant scientific literature, maintain detailed records/files.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities



+ Microinjection of mouse zygotes (CRISPR-Cas9), mouse blastocyst injection, pronuclear injection, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), somatic nuclear transfer, IVF, embryo cryopreservation, embryo transfer, and ES cell culture


+ General mouse surgical and husbandry procedures (superovulation, kidney capsule grafting, etc)


+ Consultation with investigators, management of the core staff, compliance with regulatory procedures and inspections, IACUC protocol renewal and amendment, and management of the core budget


+ Other duties and responsibilities as assigned





Qualifications





+ Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience or Masters of Science, Masters of Arts, and 5 to 7 or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

+ Maintain flexible and extended working hours as needed. The ability to troubleshoot research and optimize procedures, track relevant scientific literature, along with maintaining and processing detailed records/files. Have good writing, interpersonal and communication skill and ability to effectively maintain and coordinate projects for multiple investigators. Highly skilled person proficient in the microinjection of mouse embryos who will work independently to perform all aspects of producing transgenic mice and supervise other lab personnel. Have knowledge of generation of gene targeted and transgenic mice with skills to include ES cell blastocyst injection, ES cell morulae aggregation, pronuclear injection of DNA and CRISPRs-Cas9, microsurgery, sperm and embryo cryopreservation, IVF, ICSI (mouse and horse), somatic cell nuclear transfer, germ cell transplantation, kindey capsule grafting, hormone injections for superovulation, checking plugs, and culturing primary and embryonic stem cells.








Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine





Pay Range

$74,476.00 - $120,000.00 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.










Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




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.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.