Research Technician II

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A Brief Overview
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.

What you will do

• 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

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED - Required
• Associate's Degree - Preferred
• Bachelor's Degree - Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• 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
• 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

Skills and Abilities

• 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

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.