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

Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Lessard Lab is seeking a Research Technician at either the I, II, III or IV level to perform 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).

The Research Technician is responsible for the following:

• Supports improvement of lab procedures and/or protocols.
• Completes a variety of detailed tasks and assignments, i.e. routine lab procedures and documenting results for final evaluation. Presents results to Principal Investigator.
• Perform basic mathematical operations, i.e. ratio, percent, molarity, and unit conversions.
• Operates highly specialized equipment with training.
• Builds constructive relationships with other labs and technical advisers.
• 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.
• 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

• BS/BA degree in one of the biological sciences, physics, chemistry, or related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly skilled in multi-tasking, thinking, and functioning effectively as a team member. Works independently and as a team player. Receives no instructions on routine work but receives periodic supervision on new work or special assignments.
• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with vendors, co-workers, scientific and administrative staff and maintain them over time.
• 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.
• Excels in organizing, interpreting, and communicating project data effectively with coworkers, technical advisors, collaborators, and supervisor. Composes, reads, and comprehends instructions, correspondences and protocols/procedures, including performing mathematical computations and writing reports and correspondence. Has the ability to navigate the Internet for essential information and using computers to generate meaningful information and increase efficiency.
• 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.
• 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.

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.