Research Technician IV, Cristancho Lab

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A Brief Overview
This role participates in a planned research project by performing research protocols. Works independently and self-directed as assigned, providing oversight and technical training to other research staff. Needs a specialized education in the biological or chemical sciences and is required to consistently exercise discretion and judgment in execution, interpretation of experiments, and of data derived.

The Cristancho lab is interested in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms driving long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities from acquired prenatal and perinatal brain injury. Our goal is to develop novel therapeutic interventions that can be applied throughout the lifespan to improve outcomes for children and their families. We have been phenotyping models of acquired brain injury through a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests and using advanced molecular biology techniques like single-nucleus RNA and ATAC-sequencing to understand the molecular pathways possibly underlying lasting deficits. We now seek to perform mechanistic studies to explore these pathways using histopathological techniques (IHC, IF), genetic manipulations (viral vectors, genetic models), proteomics, chromatin immunoprecipitation, high-throughput sequencing, and cell culture.

We are seeking a senior research technician interested in building new projects and collaborations, with experience in molecular biology and animal husbandry.

General Job Responsibilities:
- Independently performs advanced, complex research procedures on experimental samples
- Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes reports, including interpretation of methodologies
- Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
- Plans and modifies research protocols and procedures with minimal direction from the principal investigator or supervisor
- Assists in the development & troubleshooting of new techniques and ideas
- Prepares laboratory reagents, monitors, and maintains laboratory inventory
- Supervises, trains, and mentors junior and new staff members
- Determines work assignments, schedules, and laboratory priorities
- Presents & discusses work at weekly lab meetings
- Assists in writing of grants, journal articles, poster and oral presentations

Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Working with PI and lab members to develop and troubleshoot new techniques in molecular neuroscience, imaging, and behavior.
- Working with lab post-doctorate fellows, graduate students, research technicians, and undergraduate students to organize the lab, order and maintain stock supplies/reagents, care for lab equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and institutional regulations.
- Animal Colony: Managing mouse colony with other lab members, writing/amending IACUC protocols, ensuring lab compliance, coordinating and performing behavior studies, performing and teaching animal exposures and surgeries.

- Cell Culture experience is preferred, specifically with primary neuronal and iPSC differentiation.
- Development of IRB protocols for translational studies.
- Tracking of ordering and spending.

Cristancho lab: www.cristancholab.com

What you will do

• Independently performs advanced, complex research procedures on experimental samples
• Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes/ reports the data, including interpretation of methodologies
• Independently performs tasks that require knowledge of advanced techniques and lab equipment
• Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
• Plans and modifies research protocols and procedures with minimal direction from the principal investigator, supervisor or other designee
• Assists in development & troubleshooting of new techniques and ideas
• Prepares laboratory reagents, monitors and maintains laboratory inventory
• Supervises, trains and mentors junior and new staff members
• Determines staff work assignments, schedules and laboratory priorities as directed
• Presents & discusses work at weekly lab meetings and national symposia
• Attends courses, seminars, and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory techniques
• Assists in writing of grants, journal articles, posters and oral presentations

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Required

Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of classroom and directly relevant and progressive (increasingly complex/ advanced) lab experience Required
• Previous lead or supervisory experience in a research lab environment Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment. (Required proficiency)
• Advanced proficiency in various research and/or analytical techniques. (Required proficiency)
• Basic proficiency in experiment design and troubleshooting (Required proficiency)
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent organizational skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent critical thinking / problem-solving skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent analytical skills (Required proficiency)

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

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SALARY RANGE:

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.

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At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.