Research Tech III - Medical Toxicology

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A Brief Overview
This role participates in planned research projects by performing research protocols with minimal direction and guidance from the principal investigator, program director or senior scientists. May exercise moderate discretion and judgment in the execution and interpretation of experiments, and of data derived.

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated small animal/biomolecular technician to join the Resuscitation Science Center (RSC) at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, as a member and participant in our molecular lab research, with a specific focus on small animal (rat) work and biomolecular methods at the bench. Our research focuses on advanced therapies for treating cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) along with potential therapeutics for mitochondrial diseases to reduce neurological and mitochondrial damage. Clinically, our research helps to improve pediatric survival outcomes and reduce neurological deficits post-cardiac arrest/TBI, in addition to growing the scope of knowledge related to mitochondrial disorder therapies. Our focus is on critical illness: Traumatic Brain Injury, Cardiac Arrest, Extracorporeal Life Support, Cardiopulmonary Bypass, and Toxicology. Our laboratory is truly translational laboratory that span multiple models of critical illness that range from cell culture models to small animal and large animals (swine).

For this particular position, the focus is related to animal models of poisoning under Dr. Jang who is a medical toxicologist and research collaborator with Dr. Kilbaugh (RSC Director). His research is focused in the area of carbon monoxide poisoning and organophosphate using swine and rodent models. The primary duties of this position will focus on rodent work involving surgical procedures, behavioral assessment and support related to this work such as maintaining small animals supplies. Secondary responsibilities will include some biomolecular experiments mainly involved mitochondrial assays.

The successful candidate should possess exceptional organization, communication, time management, and critical thinking skills and be willing to work in both a team and independent setting. Prior lab experience in cell/molecular or other biological studies is required. A willingness to and/or experience with working hands on with small animals for experiments is preferred but not required. Due to the time sensitive nature of the experiments, the successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours as dictated by the varying timelines of the different studies/experiments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Small animal work (primarily rats) that involved perioperative procedures, instrumentation, neurobehavioral assessment. Experience in this area is highly desirable and preferred.
• Perform or assist with basic necropsy animal procedures (dissection, tissue collection, and sample collection) for further downstream analysis
• Perform mitochondrial specific assays such as high-resolution respirometry, microdialysis, citrate synthase activity on samples collected from animal experiments
• Help store and log biobanked tissue samples from studies in sample management organization software (Freezerworks)
• Compile and analyze data using Microsoft Office programs, and possibly other data programs including but not limited to Graphpad Prism and Matlab
• Design and execute experiments in a timely manner under the leadership of the Project Lead and/or PI.
• Applicant must possess strong communicative skills; prioritize initiatives and projects across all stages while team building through excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to objectively critique results and present as valid or questionable, taking into account all aspects of study design, technical issues, and limitations of workflows is required.
• Ability to identify, troubleshoot data or state abnormalities by reviewing all major aspects of an assay is required.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and achieve deadlines while maintaining an organized workspace.
• Ability to work in a team environment interacting with various investigators, learners and other team members of the lab.

What you will do

• 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

Education Qualifications

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

Experience Qualifications

• 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
• 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

Skills and Abilities

• 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

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.