Research Technician I

Research Technician Position - Neurodevelopment Laboratory Children's National Hospital, Washington DC

Join our dynamic neuroscience research team investigating circuit mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders. We seek a motivated Research Technician to support studies examining cerebellar development, motor behavior, and communication in mouse models.

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.

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

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

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

• Previous laboratory research experience
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency with basic laboratory techniques and equipment

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conduct behavioral assessments including motor coordination tests, vocalization recording, and maternal behavior analysis
• Process tissue samples and perform immunohistochemistry on brain sections
• Assist with mouse colony management including genotyping and record keeping
• Operate confocal microscopes and analyze imaging data using software like IMARIS
• Support surgical procedures including stereotaxic injections and fiber implantation
• Collect and analyze data using statistical software
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to laboratory documentation

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with rodent handling and behavioral testing
• Knowledge of microscopy and image analysis
• Familiarity with immunohistochemistry techniques
• Understanding of basic statistical analysis
• Programming experience (MATLAB, Python) a plus

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