Research Technician I-Leukodystrophy Center

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A Brief Overview

The Research Technician I will support the translational science component of the Leukodystrophy Center, a cutting-edge translational program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 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 I will work under the supervision of more experienced Research Technicians, assistants, post-doctoral fellows, and senior scientific staff to support key functions of a multi-center biorepository. Routine responsibilities may include specimen transport/shipping, sample processing (inc. DNA/RNA extraction, PBMC purification, etc.), cell culture work, and data entry into a REDCap-based biorepository database. Once proficiency has been attained for these basic tasks, the Research Technician I will have an opportunity to be trained in more advanced in vivo and in vitro techniques used in the Leukodystrophy center.

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. Prior experience in a large basic science laboratory is strongly 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).

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 may require minimal familiarity with fundamental techniques and lab equipment
• Assists in care of lab equipment
• Sterilizes and cleans glassware, and disposes of specimens, media and other materials using appropriate procedures
• Attends courses, seminars, and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory techniques
• Records results, organizes data and maintains lab notebook (physical or electronic) in an organized manner.
• Conducts literary searches as directed.

Education Qualifications

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

Experience Qualifications

• Related classroom or laboratory experience or successful completion of a technical training program (eg. Wistar, WPSI) Required
• At least six (6) months Related classroom or laboratory experience or successful completion of a technical training program (eg. Wistar, WPSI) Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Strong 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 be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.
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