Research Technician I/II/III/IV - Lessard Lab

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement contribution of at least 8%

Onsite fitness center

Job summary

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking a Research Technician IV to engage in advanced techniques including cell culture and CRISPR genome editing. This role requires a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and at least eight years of lab experience.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in developing new protocols and have a commitment to improving lab efficiency. Competitive benefits and a dynamic work environment await at OMRF in Oklahoma City.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of relevant lab experience.
• High level of accuracy and effectiveness in assignments.
• Experience in developing lab procedures and technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced cell and molecular biology techniques.
• Modify and improve lab procedures.
• Coach and provide technical advice to lab personnel.

Skills

Cell culture expertise

CRISPR genome editing

Data analysis

Flow cytometry

Next-generation sequencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related area

Tools

10X Genomics platforms

Illumina platforms

Job description

Have big ideas, passion, and a desire to grow? Join us and make a difference.

For multiple consecutive years, Foundation employees have voted OMRF among “Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces.”

Our Mission

"...so that more may live longer, healthier lives." Learn more at omrf.org.

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The Lessard Lab is seeking a Research Technician IV to perform advanced cell and molecular biology techniques including, but not limited to, in vitro cell culture (mammalian cells, primary cells, and human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)), CRISPR genome editing, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing library preparation, and single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics technologies (i.e., latest 10X Genomics platforms). Seeking someone experienced with bacterial cloning, plasmid isolation, transfection and/or viral transduction in mammalian cell systems, and next-generation sequencing library preparation.

The Research Technician is responsible for the following:

• Modifies, develops, maintains and improves lab procedures and/or protocols.
• Identifies, prepares and performs a limited number of specialized, complex research experiments, develops protocols to enhance procedures, analyzes data and presents results to Principal Investigator.
• Perform basic mathematical operations, i.e. ratio, percent, molarity, and unit conversions.
• Coaches and provides technical advice to employees/affiliates involved in a project within the lab.
• Operates highly specialized equipment requiring a high degree of skill.
• Acts as a technical resource for the laboratory. Develops solutions to technical problems of extensive scope and complexity within area of expertise.
• Builds constructive relationships with other labs and technical advisers to assist with experimental design and procedures.
• Orders lab supplies and equipment.
• Maintains lab notebook in an appropriate manner of all tasks performed, including reporting an organized, precise, and accurate account of each experimental procedure and results.
• Creates and deliver routine written or oral reports and correspondence related to experimental protocols, observations, and results to the supervisor and other employees/affiliates involved in the project.
• Enhances own knowledge by learning new techniques and keeping current with emerging technologies, equipment, and protocols.
• May perform literature searches.
• Maintains a safe and clean work environment in compliance with safety procedures and according to federal regulations.
• Assists with preparation of research results for publications, grants, and presentations.
• Works closely with lab manager and supervisor to ensure lab supplies are stocked, routine lab maintenances are performed, and other necessary tasks required to ensure optimal daily laboratory operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences, physics, chemistry or related area, or equivalent years of relevant lab experience. Plus, a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant lab experience.
• Highly skilled in multi-tasking, thinking, working independently, and functioning effectively as a team member. Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with vendors, co-workers, scientific and administrative staff and maintain them over time.
• Demonstrates a high level of expertise in specific scientific field. Performs a broad range of assignments with a high level of accuracy, thoroughness, and effectiveness. Careful with details and thorough in completing work tasks and reports. Capable of handling bigger projects, assignments, and assuming greater responsibly.
• Takes the initiative in developing new methods, procedures, and approaches to lab procedures and protocols. Makes frequent and valuable suggestions to improve the efficiency of the lab to the supervisor.
• Excels in organizing, interpreting, and communicating project data effectively with coworkers, technical advisors, collaborators, and supervisor. Composes, reads, and comprehends complex instructions, correspondences and protocols/procedures, including performing complex mathematical computations and writing complex reports and correspondence. Excels in the navigating the Internet for essential information and using computers to generate meaningful information and increase efficiency.
• Displays leadership traits appropriate to the situation. Excels in training, leading, and motivating subordinates. Assists subordinates in applying new skills, techniques, and understandings. Responds quickly to new instructions, situations, methods, and procedures, and shares learning experience with subordinates.
• Successfully prioritizes when faced with requests, demands, and deadlines. Performs effectively despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities. Keeps calm and professional under stressful situations. Excels in anticipating approaching problems and opportunities. Displays a commitment to high ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological sciences or related sciences.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of hands‑on experience using 10X Genomics Single Cell Technologies (scFLEX/scFFPE, 5’CITEseq, Xenium, etc.) and other high‑throughput sequencing approaches (ATAC‑seq, RNA‑seq, SMART‑seq, Perturb‑seq, HiC, etc).
• Hands‑on experience with next‑generation sequencing library preparation for Illumina sequencing platforms.
• Experience culturing and differentiating human inducible pluripotent stem cells, performing CRISPR Cas9‑targeted editing, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, and experience working with human tissues.

Work Hours

Typically Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Must be willing to work occasional overtime, including after hours, weekends and holidays.

OMRF Overview

Founded in 1946, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is among the nation’s oldest, most respected independent, nonprofit biomedical research institutes. OMRF is dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases, focusing on critical research areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. OMRF follows an innovative cross‑disciplinary approach to medical research and ranks among the nation’s leaders in patents per scientist.

Located in Oklahoma City, a city that offers a dynamic and flourishing downtown area, with low cost of living, short commute times and a diversified economy, OMRF has been voted one of the Top Workplaces since the inception of the award. This achievement has been accomplished thanks to OMRF individuals who share a unified understanding that our excellence can only be fully realized with a collective commitment to our mission, “. . so that more may live longer, healthier lives.” Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to this mission.

OMRF Benefits

We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to full‑time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, minimum 8% company retirement contribution, vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays. All employees have access to our onsite café, free onsite fitness center with access to personal trainer, free parking and much more! Relocation assistance available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro. Learn more about our benefits here.