Research Technician III (Leukodystrophy Center)

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

12h

About The Position

The Research Technician III will support basic science research projects within the Leukodystrophy Center, a cutting-edge translational program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The translational researchers in the Leukodystrophy Center are currently focused on uncovering novel genetic etiologies within this group of disorders, identifying key biomarkers, and developing a repository of natural history data to support clinical trial development. Current projects leverage both in vivo and in vitro models for key conditions such as Hypomyelination and Atrophy of Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum (H-ABC), Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS), and Alexander Disease. The Research Technician III will work under the supervision of more experienced research technicians, assistants, post-doctoral fellows, and investigators to support the day-to-day operation of the Leukodystrophy Center’s translational research program. The Research Technician III will be expected to gain proficiency in the maintenance and expansion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), as well as differentiation of iPSCs into neural stem cells to further develop them into neuronal and glial lineage lines. Other routine responsibilities may include receiving research samples obtained from outpatient clinic or inpatient unit, sample accessioning and processing (inc. DNA/RNA extraction, PBMC purification, etc.), maintaining one or more online sample databases, coordinating incoming/outgoing sample shipments with external collaborators, etc. The Leukodystrophy Center’s research program is high-volume and fast-paced, and a successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an ability to multi-task with little to no errors. Prior experience in a laboratory setting is preferred. Outstanding written and oral communication skills are essential, as the position involves regular contact with collaborators within and externally to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Leukodystrophy Center is a founding member of the Global Leukodystrophy Initiative Clinical Trials Network (GLIA-CTN), a Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) consortium funded under grant number U54NS115052 as a collaboration between the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED - Required
At least two (2) years of related classroom experience or successful completion of a technical training program (eg. Wistar, WPSI) and research laboratory experience - Required
Advanced understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment.
Intermediate proficiency with lab specific experiments / techniques.
Intermediate scientific analysis skills.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Excellent organizational skills
Strong critical thinking / problem-solving skills
Strong analytical skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree - Preferred
At least three (3) years of related classroom experience or successful completion of a technical training program (eg. Wistar, WPSI) and research laboratory experience - Preferred
Prior experience in a laboratory setting is 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 lab equipment
Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log 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
May assist in the preparation of grants journal articles, posters and oral presentations
May perform routine and non-routine tests / experiments as needed
Maintains office, lab area, reagents, supplies and equipment
Performs routine maintenance on lab equipment
Coordinates schedules of tests & 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
Conducts literary searches as required