Research Specialist A

Research Specialist A Location Philadelphia, PA : 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 2025. 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 Research Specialist A Job Profile Title Research Specialist A Summary The Research Specialist A will facilitate all aspect of projects associated with The Galapagos Education and Research Alliance which conducts collaborative project focused on community science in the Galapagos' Archipelago. The Galápagos Education and Research Alliance (GERA) aims to support Galápagos communities in protecting biodiversity, building resilience against climate change, and promoting the health of humans and non-humans alike. GERA is a partnership among these communities and faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Rutgers University. The work focuses on addressing the most pressing issues facing the Galápagos: How can population growth continue while preserving the biodiversity for which Galápagos is justly famous? How can these communities prepare for the coming climate emergency? How can the tools of community science be used to increase civic engagement with these issues and empower the local community to protect their home? Job Responsibilities GERA conducts collaborative projects focused on community science in the Galápagos Archipelago. The Research Specialist will support all aspects of these projects, including data collection and analysis and project planning. In addition, this position will be responsible for supporting the GERA Research Coordinator in training and supervising undergraduate research assistants, cultivating a team orientation, and fostering a high degree of cultural awareness and professionalism among lab members. Other duties will include advising on the Climate Change Adaptation project, supporting correspondence between GERA and Ecuadorian governmental organizations, both at the national level and with the local municipal government of San Cristóbal, creating documents and images to communicate our work and findings with the local community, coordinating social media posts across platforms with a calendar of posts, supporting participant recruitment, and preparing presentations and materials for meetings. Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field and at least one year of relevant research experience, including research experience in the field, is strongly preferred.
• Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.
• Experience providing support in a lab environment preferred, advance knowledge of computer software including the Microsoft Office Suite; Web and experience handling complex information and data.
• The ideal applicant will have excellent organizational skills, strong writing skills, and the ability to multi-task and work independently. Attention to detail is crucial.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis (especially in R) would be a plus.
This position is contingent upon grant funding. Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department / School School of Arts and Sciences Pay Range $36,368.00 - $42,000.00 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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