Research Technician-Dr. Cristancho's Lab

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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.

Job Summary:

The Cristancho lab is interested in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms driving long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities from acquired prenatal and perinatal brain injury. Our goal is to develop novel therapeutic interventions that can be applied throughout the lifespan to improve outcomes for children and their families. We have been phenotyping models of acquired brain injury through a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests and using advanced molecular biology techniques like single-nucleus RNA and ATAC-sequencing to understand the molecular pathways possibly underlying lasting deficits. We now seek to perform mechanistic studies to explore these pathways using histopathological techniques (IHC, IF), genetic manipulations (viral vectors, genetic models), proteomics, chromatin immunoprecipitation, high-throughput sequencing, and cell culture.

We are seeking a senior research technician interested in building new projects and collaborations, with experience in molecular biology and animal husbandry.

General Job Responsibilities:
- Independently performs advanced, complex research procedures on experimental samples
- Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes reports, including interpretation of methodologies
- Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
- Plans and modifies research protocols and procedures with minimal direction from the principal investigator or supervisor
- Assists in the 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 work assignments, schedules, and laboratory priorities
- Presents & discusses work at weekly lab meetings
- Assists in writing of grants, journal articles, poster and oral presentations

Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Working with PI and lab members to develop and troubleshoot new techniques in molecular neuroscience, imaging, and behavior.
- Working with lab post-doctorate fellows, graduate students, research technicians, and undergraduate students to organize the lab, order and maintain stock supplies/reagents, care for lab equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and institutional regulations.
- Animal Colony: Managing mouse colony with other lab members, writing/amending IACUC protocols, ensuring lab compliance, coordinating and performing behavior studies, performing and teaching animal exposures and surgeries.

- Cell Culture experience is preferred, specifically with primary neuronal and iPSC differentiation.
- Development of IRB protocols for translational studies.
- Tracking of ordering and spending.

Cristancho lab: www.cristancholab.com

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

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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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