Research Technician IV, Cristancho Lab

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Advanced understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment.
Advanced proficiency in various research and/or analytical techniques.
Basic proficiency in experiment design and troubleshooting
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent critical thinking / problem-solving skills
Excellent analytical skills
Bachelor's Degree Required
At least three (3) years of classroom and directly relevant and progressive (increasingly complex/ advanced) lab experience Required

Nice To Haves

Previous lead or supervisory experience in a research lab environment Preferred
Cell Culture experience is preferred, specifically with primary neuronal and iPSC differentiation.

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
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.
Development of IRB protocols for translational studies.
Tracking of ordering and spending.