Research Technician IV

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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career.

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CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children. We strongly encourage candidates of all races, colors, ethnicities, religions, perspectives, sexes, backgrounds, and lived experiences to apply.

A Brief Overview

The CHOP Microbiome Center, established in 2015, serves as the sequencing and analytical hub for the PennCHOP Microbiome Program. Our mission is to develop microbiome-based strategies to identify biomarkers and therapeutics that improve health and treat disease. We are seeking a highly skilled Research Technician IV to join our team, with demonstrated expertise in microbiome research and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows

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.

What you will do

• Independently perform advanced, complex research procedures on experimental microbiome and clinical samples.
• Plan, execute, and analyze DNA purification, amplification, qPCR, and PCR-based reactions with high precision.
• Operate and maintain Illumina sequencing platforms (MiSeq, NextSeq, NovaSeqX) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms (e.g., MinION, GridION) to generate high-quality short- and long-read sequencing data.
• Operate, program, and maintain liquid handling systems and automation platforms for high-throughput sample preparation.
• Perform advanced calculations, maintain detailed lab notebooks, and document experimental protocols.
• Formulate and troubleshoot complex lab experiments; interpret and report data with minimal supervision.
• Develop and optimize new laboratory techniques and workflows in collaboration with Center leadership.
• Prepare laboratory reagents; monitor and maintain inventory of critical supplies.
• Supervise, train, and mentor junior staff; assign work and manage lab priorities.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and national symposia.
• Contribute to grant proposals, manuscripts, posters, and oral presentations.
• Independently performs advanced, complex research procedures on experimental samples
• Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes/ reports the data, including interpretation of methodologies
• Independently performs tasks that require knowledge of advanced techniques and lab equipment
• Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
• Plans and modifies research protocols and procedures with minimal direction from the principal investigator, supervisor or other designee
• Assists in 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 staff work assignments, schedules and laboratory priorities as directed
• Presents & discusses work at weekly lab meetings and national symposia
• Attends courses, seminars, and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory techniques
• Assists in writing of grants, journal articles, posters and oral presentations

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Required
• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline - Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of classroom and directly relevant and progressive (increasingly complex/ advanced) lab experience - Required
• Previous lead or supervisory experience in a research lab environment - Preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in microbiome research and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows - Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment. (Required proficiency)
• Advanced proficiency in various research and/or analytical techniques. (Required proficiency)
• Basic proficiency in experiment design and troubleshooting (Required proficiency)
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent organizational skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent critical thinking / problem-solving skills (Required proficiency)
• Excellent analytical skills (Required proficiency)

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community.

EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement

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.