Reference #: 1004453
SHIFT:Day (United States of America)
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We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.
A Brief Overview
The Research Assistant 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-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), and Alexander Disease.
This position will support routine tasks related to management of the program's central sample repository and mouse colony, along with a variety of external awards, contracts, and collaborations. Routine responsibilities will include mouse handling, genotyping, breeding, surgical procedures, and behavioral models; prior experience working with mice in a research setting is essential, and the ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of relevant mouse handling experience. Additional responsibilities may include biorepository management, specimen transport/shipping, sample processing (inc. DNA/RNA extraction, PBMC purification, etc.), cell culture work, and data entry/management in a biorepository database housed in REDCap. Once proficiency has been attained for these basic tasks, the Research Assistant will have an opportunity to be trained in more advanced scientific techniques.
The Leukodystrophy Center's research program is high-volume and fast-paced; candidates for this position 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 lab tests which require the analysis of results and interpretation of methods
Performs research procedures on experimental samples as directed
Assists with planning specific research protocols and procedures
Assists in development & troubleshooting of new techniques and ideas
Modifies methods and protocols under the direction of the PI
Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes & reports the data
Presents & discusses work at weekly lab meetings
Prepares laboratory reagents and monitors and maintains inventory
Performs calculations and maintains appropriate log books and lab notebooks
Assists in writing methods and setting-up protocols accurately under the direction of the program director or senior scientist
Maintains laboratory equipment, safety procedures and compliance records
Researches journal, white papers and other scientific publications for pertinent information
Assists with the preparation of data for publication or presentation at symposia
May supervises junior members of laboratory.
Education Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree Required
Experience Qualifications
At least three (3) years of scientifically relevant experience Required
At least five (5) years of scientifically relevant experience Preferred
Skills and Abilities
Proficient in various research and/or analytical techniques required
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.
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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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.
