Research Technician II

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level research technical role participates in planned research projects by performing research protocols, experimental procedures, and other laboratory tasks under direct supervision. The role may occasionally exercise minimal discretion and judgment in the execution and interpretation of experiments and derived data. The research technician position is in the laboratory of Dr. Stella Chou, a Principal Investigator in the Hematology Division. Her research focuses on pediatric blood diseases, mechanisms of normal and pathologic hematopoietic development, and the study of in vitro generation of red blood cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for transfusion medicine. This research position supports work focused on: Enhancement of in vitro generation of red blood cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for transfusion medicine; Creation of customized pluripotent stem cells with rare blood cell phenotypes to generate red cells that would improve antibody identification in transfused patients with sickle cell disease; and Identifying novel methods to expand pluripotent stem cell derived hematopoietic progenitors. Research technician duties include significant tissue culture, including culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells, primary human blood cells, and cell lines, as well as molecular biology procedures including DNA, RNA, and protein extraction; PCR, RT-PCR, and western blotting. The research technician will also assist in general laboratory duties including maintenance of the laboratory, autoclaving, and ordering supplies. The individual will become well versed in topics and procedures pertaining to hematopoiesis, directed differentiation into blood cells, and gene editing.

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED - Required
At least one (1) year of related classroom experience or successful completion of a technical training program (eg. Wistar, WPSI) and research laboratory experience - Required
Intermediate understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment.
Basic exposure to lab specific experiments / techniques and scientific analysis
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Excellent organizational skills
Solid critical thinking / problem-solving skills
Solid analytical skills

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree - Preferred
Bachelor's Degree - Preferred
At least two (2) years of related classroom experience or successful completion of a technical training program (eg. Wistar, WPSI) and research laboratory experience - Preferred

Responsibilities

Performs research procedures on experimental samples with minimal supervision
Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes & reports the data
Performs tasks that require knowledge of advanced techniques and equipment
Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate logbooks and lab notebooks
Assists with planning specific research protocols and procedures
Assists in development & troubleshooting of new techniques and ideas
May be required to modify scientific methods and protocols (in conjunction with PI)
Checks others results for completeness and accuracy
May be responsible for training and mentoring new staff
Assists in the preparing of grants journal articles, poster and oral presentations
May perform routine and non-routine tests / experiments as needed
Performs routine tests / experiments under the direction of principal investigator, supervisor or other designee
Performs research procedures on experimental samples as directed
Records and checks experiments/ results for completeness and accuracy
Performs calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
Performs tasks that require familiarity with fundamental techniques and lab equipment
May assist with planning specific research protocols and procedures
Maintains office, lab area, solutions, reagents, supplies and equipment, disposes of specimens, media and other materials (using appropriate procedures)
Assists in care and maintenance of lab equipment
May coordinate schedules of tests and procedures
Attends courses, seminars, and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory techniques
Records results, organizes data and maintains lab notebook in an organized manner
Compiles and helps analyze data, prepares charts, graphs, and results of studies as directed
Conducts literary searches as directed