Research Technician I

The Research Technician I conducts research under the direction of a principal investigator. The RT-I performs a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests, specimen preparations and experimental procedures for the purpose of research as directed.

Dr. Posnack's cardiac research laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician with a background in physiology, biology, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, cell biology or a related STEM field. Applicant will support "wet lab" projects related to cardiac physiology, pharmacology, and red blood cell biology using both cell-based models and animal models. Training will be provided, and thereafter, the candidate will work on in vivo experiments related to cardiac function and drug responsiveness (e.g., electrocardiogram, echocardiography, blood pressure, flow), and in situ experiments using isolated heart preparations, organotypic cardiac tissue slices, and/or cardiac cell based models. The candidate will also work on molecular biology and biochemical assays - with a focus on heart development/maturation, red blood cell biochemistry, and metabolomics.

Note: Minimum education and experience requirement listed below. Tasks and responsibilities can be adjusted for more experienced applicants.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree with a major in basic science or related field desired. (Preferred)

Minimum Work Experience
At least 1-2 years of related experience desired. No supervisory experience required. (Preferred)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in one of the following:
• Physiology, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, or related field
• Comfortable working (or learning to work) with animal models
• Familiarity with basic statistical analysis (e.g., mean, SD, z-score, correlation)
• Strong organizational and data management skills
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of responsibility

Required Skills/Knowledge
Strong mathematical skills and an inquisitive attitude.
Basic knowledge of lab safety and use of basic lab equipment desired.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• >1 year working in a research laboratory setting
• Knowledge pertaining to cardiac physiology, pharmacology, and/or red blood cell biology
• Experience with animal handling and procedures
• Experience with cardiac models and/or measurements (e.g., ECG, echo, microelectrode arrays, optical mapping), microscopy, cell culture, molecular biology and/or biochemical assays.
• Prior exposure to research environments or clinical data handling
• Interest in pursuing graduate studies or a career in biomedical research

Key Responsibilities:

* General laboratory maintenance and oversight

* Plans, conducts and manages research projects

* Perform survival and non-survival surgical procedures

* Perform electrocardiogram and echocardiogram measurements and analysis

* Conduct high-speed imaging using fluorescence based indicators (e.g., voltage, calcium)

* Collect, extract, and analyze optical signal datasets using custom tools

* Collect, process, and store biological samples

* Perform molecular biology procedures (e.g., RNA extraction, PCR, Immunoblot, Immunofluorescence)

* Assists with data management, backup storage, and analysis

* Create figures, plots, and visualizations for presentations, papers, and reports

* Collaborate with clinicians, graduate students, and research scientists in a team-based environment

* Contribute to manuscript preparation, abstract submissions, and scientific presentations when applicable

Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Plans, conducts and manages research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Laboratory Work

• Performs routine tests under the direction of principal investigator or supervisor.

• Records and checks results for completeness and accuracy.

• Conducts literature search as requested.

• Performs tasks that may require familiarity with fundamental techniques and equipment.

• Compiles information from lab notebooks and journals.

• Attends courses, seminars and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory technique.

Project Planning

• Assists with planning specific research protocols and procedures.

• Coordinates schedules of tests and procedures.

• Assists staff in developing and troubleshooting new techniques and ideas.

Recordkeeping

• Maintains a log of work performed.

• Prepares charts, graphs and results of studies; compiles and helps analyze data.

• Maintains all required records, reports, statistics, etc.; prepares summary reports as requested.
• Maintains and updates department policies regarding procedures, objectives, safety, etc.
• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance