A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Mukherjee Laboratory at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), within the Center for Brain Research in Development, Genetics, and Engineering (BRIDGE), is seeking a motivated Research Technician to support our ongoing investigations into the neural circuits underlying complex cognition and their dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. Specifically, our research focuses on the functional maturation of cognitive control circuits across normal development and their fidelity in rodent and tree shrew models of neurodevelopmental disorders like the 22Q11.2 deletion syndrome.
The Research Technician will participate in planned research projects by executing experimental protocols and laboratory procedures under direct supervision. While initially working under guidance, the technician may occasionally exercise discretion and judgment in the execution and interpretation of experiments and data analysis. Recent graduates and those looking to gain experience before applying to medical or graduate school are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with prior familiarity with either MATLAB or
Python programing languages will receive preference. While some laboratory experience is preferred, qualified candidates with a bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedical engineering, or related studies or have graduated on a pre-medical track will be considered as well.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma / GED Required
• Associate’s Degree Preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related studies 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
• Prior familiarity with either MATLAB or Python programing languages Preferred
• Experience working with rodents in research setting 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 be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

• Fabricate custom electrode assemblies for in vivo electrophysiology in freely moving rodents.
• Construct custom operant training boxes for behavioral experiments.
• Conduct behavioral training of animal models.
• Perform perfusions, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy.
• Assist with aseptic techniques, surgical preparations, and other laboratory tasks as needed.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, order supplies, disposes of specimens, media and other materials (using appropriate procedures) and ensure proper lab organization.
• Perform routine tests / experiments under the direction of principal investigator or supervisor
• Perform calculations, record results and maintain appropriate log and lab notebooks
• Compiles and helps analyze data, prepares charts, graphs, and results of studies as directed
• Conducts literary searches as directed
  The candidate will be extensively trained in all relevant job functions. The Research Technician will also be responsible for other tasks including lab inventory, aseptic scrub and surgical training, supply ordering, etc. The selected candidate will also attend courses, seminars, and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory techniques.