Research Technician II Position

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) / University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Our laboratory studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing heart development, cardiomyocyte maturation, and congenital heart disease. We combine single-cell and spatial genomics, in vivo functional genomics, mouse genetics, genome editing, and human stem cell–based models to identify regulatory mechanisms controlling cardiac development and disease. A major focus of the laboratory is developing and applying new technologies that connect large-scale genomic discovery with functional validation in vivo.

This position is particularly well suited for a recent graduate who is interested in gaining intensive research experience before pursuing graduate school, medical school, or a career in biomedical research. The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members and will have opportunities to contribute directly to ongoing research projects and lab management, learn advanced experimental approaches, and participate in scientific presentations and publications.

The Research Technician will support multiple projects related to heart development and functional genomics. Responsibilities may include:

• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA preparation, molecular cloning, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, and related assays.
• Assist with mouse-based studies of cardiac development, including tissue collection, sample processing, genotyping, and maintenance of experimental records.
• Support AAV- and CRISPR-based in vivo functional genomic experiments.
• Prepare cardiac tissue and nuclei for single-cell, single-nucleus, and spatial genomic studies.
• Assist with mammalian cell culture and, depending on project needs and experience, human iPSC culture and differentiation.
• Carefully document experiments, maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and organize experimental samples and data.
• Prepare reagents and maintain laboratory supplies, inventories, plasmids, cell stocks, and shared laboratory resources.
• Assist with optimization and troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and discussions of experimental design and results.
• Work collaboratively with other laboratory members and investigators within the CHOP and Penn research communities.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioengineering, neuroscience, or a related biomedical field strongly preferred.

Experience

• At least one year of relevant laboratory, classroom, or technical research experience.
• Previous academic research experience is preferred, but extensive experience with every technique listed above is not required.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly helpful:

• Molecular biology and cloning
• PCR/qPCR and DNA/RNA preparation
• Immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscopy
• Mammalian cell culture or human pluripotent stem cell culture
• Mouse handling, genotyping, or tissue collection

Candidates are not expected to have experience in all of these areas. Training will be provided for techniques required for the position.

• Is curious about biology and enthusiastic about learning new techniques.
• Is careful, organized, and attentive to experimental detail.
• Maintains clear and reproducible experimental records.
• Can work both independently and collaboratively.
• Communicates effectively and asks questions when appropriate.
• Is reliable and able to manage multiple experimental tasks.
• Has strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Is interested in contributing intellectually to research projects rather than simply performing routine laboratory tasks.

To express interest in the Research Technician II position and inquire about applying, please email wangh10@chop.edu.

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