Research Technician II- Forti Lab

About the role

This entry-level research technical role participates in planned research projects by performing research protocols, experimental procedures, and other laboratory tasks under direct supervision. The position is in Dr. Forti's Lab at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute, supporting development and preclinical validation of non-invasive optical technologies for monitoring brain physiology after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The technician will work closely with Dr. Forti, postdoctoral fellows, students, and collaborators on an NIH-funded project using advanced diffuse optical technologies to measure cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, metabolism, and tissue water in a translational animal model of pediatric TBI. This position is well suited for an individual interested in gaining hands-on experience in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, medical-device development, and translational research. Depending on experience and interest, the technician may also contribute to optical instrumentation development, scientific programming and data analysis, and preparation of conference abstracts and scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with optical measurements during in vivo large-animal experiments
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot optical instrumentation and experimental equipment
• Support instrument characterization, calibration, and validation using tissue-simulating optical phantoms
• Record experimental procedures and results and maintain organized laboratory and study documentation
• Assist with preliminary data processing and preparation of figures and experimental summaries
• Maintain research equipment, supplies, and laboratory workspaces
• Contribute to development and documentation of standard operating procedures and experimental protocols
• Participate in laboratory meetings, seminars, and other research activities
• Perform routine tests and experiments under the direction of principal investigator, supervisor, or other designee
• Perform research procedures on experimental samples as directed
• Record and check experiments/results for completeness and accuracy
• Perform calculations and maintain appropriate logs and lab notebooks
• Perform tasks that require familiarity with fundamental techniques and lab equipment
• Assist with planning specific research protocols and procedures
• Maintain office, lab area, solutions, reagents, supplies, and equipment; dispose of specimens, media, and other materials using appropriate procedures
• Assist in care and maintenance of lab equipment
• Coordinate schedules of tests and procedures
• Attend courses, seminars, and lab meetings to expand knowledge of research and laboratory techniques
• Record results, organize data, and maintain lab notebook in an organized manner
• Compile and help analyze data; prepare charts, graphs, and results of studies as directed
• Conduct literature searches as directed

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma / GED — Required
• Associate's Degree — Preferred
• Bachelor's Degree — Preferred

Experience

• At least one (1) year of related classroom experience or successful completion of a technical training program (e.g., Wistar, WPSI) and research laboratory experience — Required
• At least two (2) years of related classroom experience or successful completion of a technical training program (e.g., Wistar, WPSI) and research laboratory experience — Preferred

Skills

• Intermediate understanding of lab procedures, protocols, and equipment
• Basic exposure to lab-specific experiments/techniques and scientific analysis
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Solid analytical skills

Pay

Salary range: $43,900.00 – $54,800.00 annually (full-time). Part-time pay will be adjusted accordingly. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the noted range.