Research Technician II

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

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. About the Laboratory The Maris lab seeks a dedicated research technician to integrate into the large collaborative laboratory focused on developing new immunotherapies for children with cancer. We seek a highly motivated individual interested in growth as a scientist over time and passionate about improving outcomes for patients with childhood solid tumors. An entry level Research Technician II primary responsibility will be the management of the lab’s central stock of neuroblastoma cell lines. This will include thawing and providing other lab members with requested cell lines in a timely manner while maintaining proper sterile cell culture technique. A Research Technician will need to manage a detailed online record to ensure an ample supply of cryovials for each cell line in case lab members or collaborators request an aliquot. As part of maintaining the neuroblastoma cell lines for the lab an applicant will be required to perform rigorous quality control tests to ensure the integrity of the cell lines for fellow researchers in the lab. These tests include screening every cell line at thaw for any potential traces of mycoplasma as well as extracting DNA from each line when freezing down aliquots to add to the cell bank. These DNA samples will then be analyzed to determine the short tandem repeats (STR) of the DNA. This will then be compared to a verified STR profile of our neuroblastoma cell lines to ensure the identity of the lines frozen down. Along with maintaining the integrity of the cell bank a Research Technician will be required to work alongside other researchers in the lab on a research project, where they will be required to independently run experiments then analyze and interpret the data and present data in collaborative weekly lab meetings. These experiments may include techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity assays utilizing both the IncuCyte and RT-CES instruments. An applicant will be required to assist in other lab chores such as shipping research material to collaborators both domestically and internationally.

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 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