Research Assistant - Escolano Lab

The Wistar Institute has an opening for a highly motivated Research Assistant to work in the laboratory of Dr. Amelia Escolano in the Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center. The Escolano lab is interested in vaccine design, and in the analysis of the humoral and cellular immune responses to vaccination and infection. Using HIV-1 as a model, and a combination of cutting-edge approaches and different animal models, the Escolano lab investigates the mechanisms governing the B-cell and antibody responses to novel forms of vaccination, aiming to define general guidelines for the design of efficacious vaccines against highly mutating pathogens, cancer-associated viruses and bacteria.

The responsibilities of successful candidates will involve:

• Antibody cloning, production and characterization
• Protein production and purification
• Technical assistance to post-doctoral and pre-doctoral students with molecular and cellular biology experiments, and in animal studies.

Bachelor's degree in a science-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Excellent communication and organization skills are essential. Candidates will receive personalized training as required. Competitive applicants will have strong motivation to learn and to work in a collaborative environment. Experience in the following areas is preferred: structural biology, antibody and protein production, cell culture, flow cytometry, serological characterization, molecular biology (PCR, DNA cloning, ELISA), virus production and/or next-generation sequencing.

The Wistar Institute is a world leader in early-stage discovery science in the areas of cancer, immunology, and infectious disease. Wistar is committed to accelerating research advances from bench to bedside through brilliant science and distinctive approaches to collaboration among scientific investigators and academic and industry partners. Wistar's dynamic environment supports the advancement of discoveries that will change the future of human health.


The Wistar Institute is located in the University City area of Philadelphia, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania Campus. Wistar provides resources to its faculty and staff that enable them to conduct cutting edge collaborative research and provides for outstanding intellectual environments and state-of-the-art facilities.


We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.

For more information about The Wistar Institute visit our website at


It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, caregiver status, domestic or sexual violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or on the basis of genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.