Research Technician - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute

Job Summary

Dr. Falk's research laboratory at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute was established in 2006 and is focused in researching the mechanisms underlying disease, and potential novel therapies, for mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases. The laboratory primarily uses human cell, C. elegans (worm) and zebrafish, small animal models, and occasionally mouse models for these purposes.

We have a position open immediately for a research technician to join the group to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of primary mitochondrial disease through whole-animal behavioral phenotyping and mitochondrial physiology studies, as well as assisting in the evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of pharmacologic agents in both cell and animal models of primary mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases.  This work involves analyses of candidate therapies and high-throughput drug screening, with both academic and pharma partners.     


Prior experience is highly desirable in performing translational investigations C. elegans, zebrafish, and/or human cell culture, working with pharmacologic agents, and standard molecular laboratory investigations including gene expression profiling, cell sorting analyses, gene sequencing, and western blot analyses.  Experience performing high-throughput drug screening in cells and animal models is strongly preferred.  Experience with mitochondrial models or physiology investigations and/or training in pharmacology is highly desirable.  The successful applicant will be a team player, work independently but with regular communication with the PI and study team, have strong data analysis skills including in Excel, Prism, ImageJ, and Matlab, excellent organization skills, be a quick learner, be highly attentive to detail, have excellent communication skills, and be able to make a 2 year commitment to this research program.

Preferred applicant:

Prior experience is highly desirable in performing translational investigations in C. elegans (worm), zebrafish, and/or human cell culture, working with pharmacologic agents, microscopy, flow sorting, and standard molecular laboratory investigations including gene expression profiling, cell sorting analyses, gene sequencing, and western blot analyses.  Experience performing high-throughput drug screening in cells and animal models is strongly preferred.  Experience with mitochondrial models or physiology investigations and/or training in pharmacology is highly desirable.  The successful applicant will be a team player, work independently but with regular communication with the PI and study team, have strong data analysis skills including in Excel, Prism, ImageJ, and Matlab, excellent organization skills, be a quick learner, be highly attentive to detail, have excellent communication skills, and be able to make a 2 year commitment to this research

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 1 year relevant laboratory experience required.

Job Responsibilities

  • Performs research procedures on experimental samples with minimal supervision
  • Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes & reports the data
  • Performs tasks that require knowledge of advanced techniques and equipment
  • Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
  • Assists with planning specific research protocols and procedures
  • Assists in development & troubleshooting of new techniques and ideas
  • May be required to modify scientific methods and protocols (in conjunction with PI)
  • Checks others results for completeness and accuracy
  • May be responsible for training and mentoring new staff
  • Assists in the preparing of grants journal articles, poster and oral presentations
  • May perform routine and non-routine tests / experiments as needed


Required Education and Experience

Required Education: Associates Degree or active enrollment in a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Required Experience: One (1) year of laboratory experience


Preferred Education, Experience & Cert/Lic

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Experience: Two (2) years of laboratory experience


For further information and application, contact Heather Warman.

Senior Talent Strategist- Research Human Resources ● Talent Acquisition Phone: 267-294-9505

warmanh@chop.edu ● careers.chop.edu


Additional Technical Requirements

All CHOP employees who work in a patient building or who provide patient care are required to receive an annual influenza vaccine unless they are granted a medical or religious exemption.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its patients, family members, visitors and employees. In an effort to achieve this goal, employment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, other than for positions with regularly scheduled hours in New Jersey, is contingent upon an attestation that the job applicant does not use tobacco products.

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.

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