UPenn

Research Coordinator, SAS Department of Anthropology

Museum Archeology/Anthropology - 3rd Floor Part time

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.

Posted Job Title

Research Coordinator, SAS Department of Anthropology

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Laboratory manager and research coordinator: this position will support the ramp up and continued function of the Health and BioBehavioral Laboratory (HaBBLab). This job will require managing ongoing laboratory activities and facilitating the growth and development of the lab (i.e., the physical spaces, internal lab infrastructure and protocols, and staffing). It will include coordinating personnel, assisting in ongoing projects, ordering materials, and supporting publication of scholarly research and the pursuit of new research directions.

Job Description

This position is for the Health and BioBehavior Laboratory (HaBBLab) in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. The HaBBLab explores human biobehavioral changes related to stress and resilience in novel, energy-intensive, and extreme environments with a focus on neuroendocrine systems and behavior, energetic physiology, and social behaviors. Recent work is exploring the protective effects of social support in harsh and unpredictable contexts. Research sites are varied and include Philadelphia, South Africa, and the spaceflight environment.

Job Description/Duties:

  • Keep lab spaces stocked with necessary equipment and reagents, order and reimburse lab-related purchases as needed.

  • Maintain laboratory systems and protocols

  • Maintain/ help develop branding and online portals for laboratories, including photography for field project

  • Maintain calendar and events for lab activities and research projects.

  • Assist in the support of ongoing research projects (personnel, equipment, field data collection, administration).

  • Manage and direct undergraduate Research Assistants and students involved with the labs.

  • Manage projects that the research group develops, including training and supporting future lab members.

  • Provide support for established research projects for Dr. Sarma. Dr. Sarma will provide clear instruction on research project deliverables and uphold the deliverables required to be completed by Dr. Sarma to produce quality and timely research products.

  • Hold/attend weekly meetings for weekly development goals and ongoing challenges and maintain record of meeting notes.

  • Provide data management and publication support on established projects for Dr. Sarma. Opportunity to provide analytical support.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required in Biological Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, Biology, Public Health, Clinical Research, or equivalent field.

  • Strong organizational and communication skills

  • Enthusiasm for research examining human biobehavioral changes related to stress and resilience in novel, energy-intensive, and extreme environments

  • Mentorship/management experience

  • Self-motivation/coordination abilities

  • Self-directed problem solving

  • Creativity/flexibility when approaching challenges

  • Writing and basic data organization experience

  • Team-building and mentorship competence

  • Ability to familiarize with wholistic anthropological and human biology theory and methods

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$7.25 - $35.00 Hourly 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

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 
A background check may be 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 and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
  • 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.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.