Research Technician II
About The Position
This entry-level research technical role participates in a planned research projects by performing research protocols, experimental procedures and other laboratory tasks under direct supervision. May occasionally exercise minimal discretion and judgment in execution and interpretation of experiments, and of data derived. The Wang Laboratory at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician II to join our research team. Our laboratory studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing heart development, cardiomyocyte maturation, and congenital heart disease. We combine single-cell and spatial genomics, in vivo functional genomics, mouse genetics, genome editing, and human stem cell–based models to identify regulatory mechanisms controlling cardiac development and disease. A major focus of the laboratory is developing and applying new technologies that connect large-scale genomic discovery with functional validation in vivo. The Research Technician will work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members and will have opportunities to contribute directly to ongoing research projects, lab management, learn advanced experimental approaches, and participate in scientific presentations and publications.
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
- Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly helpful:
- Molecular biology and cloning
- PCR/qPCR and DNA/RNA preparation
- Immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscopy
- Mammalian cell culture or human pluripotent stem cell culture
- Mouse handling, genotyping, or tissue collection
- Is curious about biology and enthusiastic about learning new techniques.
- Is careful, organized, and attentive to experimental detail.
- Maintains clear and reproducible experimental records.
- Can work both independently and collaboratively.
- Communicates effectively and asks questions when appropriate.
- Is reliable and able to manage multiple experimental tasks.
- Has strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Is interested in contributing intellectually to research projects rather than simply performing routine laboratory tasks.
Responsibilities
- Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA preparation, molecular cloning, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, and related assays.
- Assist with mouse-based studies of cardiac development, including tissue collection, sample processing, genotyping, and maintenance of experimental records.
- Support AAV- and CRISPR-based in vivo functional genomic experiments.
- Prepare cardiac tissue and nuclei for single-cell, single-nucleus, and spatial genomic studies.
- Assist with mammalian cell culture and, depending on project needs and experience, human iPSC culture and differentiation.
- Carefully document experiments, maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and organize experimental samples and data.
- Prepare reagents and maintain laboratory supplies, inventories, plasmids, cell stocks, and shared laboratory resources.
- Assist with optimization and troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
- Participate in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and discussions of experimental design and results.
- Work collaboratively with other laboratory members and investigators within the CHOP and Penn research communities.
- 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
Benefits
- Annual influenza vaccine
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
