Research Technician IV - Lessard Lab

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). Must have experience with bacterial cloning plasmid isolation transfection and/or viral transduction in mammalian cell systems and next-generation sequencing library preparation.

The Research Technician IV 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 delivers 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.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree in one of the biological sciences physics chemistry or related area or relevant field and eight (8) years of relevant laboratory experience or equivalent combination of education and 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
Masters degree in biological sciences or related sciences. Eight to ten (8-10) years of hands-on experience using 10X Genomics Single Cell Technologies (scFLEX/scFFPE 5CITEseq 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 nations 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 Alzheimers disease cancer lupus multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease. OMRF follows an innovative cross-disciplinary approach to medical research and ranks among the nations 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 caf 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.

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.