Research Technician II-Oncology, Bosse Lab

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We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

A Brief Overview

The Research Technician II will conduct translational pediatric cancer and immuno-oncology research under the direction/guidance of Dr. Kris Bosse in collaboration with the St. Baldricks-Stand Up To Cancer Immunogenomics Team (https://standuptocancer.org/research/research-portfolio/dream-teams/high-risk-pediatric-cancers-dream-team/). Dr. Bosse's laboratory is focused on developing immunotherapeutic strategies targeting tumor integral cell surfaces molecules in neuroblastoma and other incurable pediatric cancers (see Bosse et al., 2017 Cancer Cell as an example). There is also a major focus in the Bosse Laboratory on utilizing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to define mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and disease progression in neuroblastoma. The research technician will join a growing translational research team based in his laboratory, and work in collaboration with several other laboratories at CHOP/Penn. Ongoing projects include translating current immunotherapies in the lab across pediatric cancers, new immunotherapeutic target discovery in neuroblastoma and other pediatric cancers, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and antibody-drug conjugate development, defining mechanisms of tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic immune escape, deciphering the key biologic functions of prioritized immunotherapeutic targets and using serial neuroblastoma preclinical models to define mechansisms of therapeutic resistance. Diverse molecular biology, genomic, and in vitro and in vivo laboratory techniques will be employed.

The ideal candidate will (1) Work independently and be self-directed with guidance from the principal investigator, (2) Develop new experimental procedures and hypotheses for further investigation and will help the principle investigator publish and present research results, (3) Assist with the management of laboratory operations, (4) Collaborate and interact with other researchers within the laboratory, institution and at other institutions, (5) Consistently exercise discretion and judgment in execution, interpretation of experiments, and of data derived, and (6) Have some laboratory experience with techniques such as cell culture, RNA purification, PCR, cloning, Western blotting, in vitro functional assays, and flow cytometry. Experience working with mouse models would also be a plus. At least a 2-year commitment is required. Will have multiple opportunities to present work at national and international meetings and will be involved in writing manuscripts. Laboratory environment includes a diverse range of scientists and trainees at all career levels, including multiple research technicians doing a 2-3 year laboratory experience prior to applying to professional (e.g. Graduate or Medical) school.

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
• Bachelor's Degree in the biological or chemical sciences or another scientific discipline 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
• Experience with laboratory experience with techniques such as cell culture, RNA purification, PCR, cloning, Western blotting, in vitro functional assays, and flow cytometry Preferred
• Experience working with mouse models Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment.
• Basic exposure to lab specific experiments / techniques and scientific analysis
• Ability to perform assigned tasks independently
• Able to work accurately, work well with others, and pay strict attention to detail
• Must be adaptable to do work that is varied, and requires an intellectual and professional approach
• Excellent verbal and written communication 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.

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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