Research Staff Scientist - Neurosurgery

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We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

A Brief Overview
This role is an advanced researcher that plans, coordinates and executes complex research projects. Contributions are scientific or intellectual, characterized by originality and creativity. Works under the mentorship of an established principal investigator to conduct research in a specific scientific area. Conducts experiments without direct supervision; develops research projects with the guidance of the principal investigator. Develops new experimental procedures and hypotheses for further investigation.

Prepares manuscripts and abstracts for publication, publishes scientific articles in refereed journals, presents at scientific symposiums. Collaborates and interacts with other researchers within CHOP - RI and at other institutions. Assists in the preparation of scientific publications and research grant proposals. Serves as resource person for colleagues and as a mentor for less experienced research personnel. May manage/supervise other research staff or projects; assists with the management of laboratory operations.

About The Laboratory

Research Scientist Position in Translational Pediatric Brain Tumor Research

A Research Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Madsen, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Oncology. As a pediatric neurosurgeon, he is dedicated to the care of children and young adults with brain tumors. Dr. Madsen's complimentary translational laboratory is part of the Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine (D3b) of the Division of Neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at CHOP, and the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN). This position will be a part of a research program that aims to develop and enhance immunotherapeutic approaches for pediatric brain tumors, from generation and analysis of bioinformatic data, development of advanced modelling systems, and preclinical testing of therapies destined for the clinic or operating room. The laboratory uses cell line, organoid, and both xenograft and syngeneic mouse models to recapitulate various pediatric brain tumors and test novel therapeutics. Our main focus is on developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell approaches for pediatric brain tumors. We also investigate new methods of CAR T cell delivery and advanced microscope imaging techniques to study CAR T cell trafficking in the brain. This highly translational work will be used to inform clinical trials for pediatric patients.

Strong experimental skill in basic molecular biology techniques are a prerequisite (DNA, RNA, protein analysis, cloning, cell culture, multi-parameter flow cytometry, cytotoxicity).

Strong preference will be given to candidates with at least two or more of the following specific skills:

• Experience in mouse brain tumor models, including stereotactic surgery
• Experience in genetically engineered models of cancer, including breeding, neonatal surgery, and colony maintenance
• Experience in advanced confocal or lightsheet microscopy
• Experience in advanced in vivo imaging techniques including IVIS and MRI
• Experience in adoptive cellular therapeutics
• Experience in bioinformatic techniques, particularly proteomics

The successful candidate will:

• Plan, conduct, and manage research projects within the federal and institutional regulations and policies
• Assist the PI in the conduct of research of significant value in the basic and/or translational science area
• Collaborate with researchers, external agencies and institutions to develop cooperative research initiatives around immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors
• Order research supplies, responsible for appropriate use of research funds
• Train technical staff, students, fellows & physicians in lab procedures. May supervise some staff and students
• Assist in generating and reviewing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
• Assist in composing/developing applications for grants/contracts for funding of research projects
• Promote free discussion, research progress, and overall morale

What you will do

• Conducts research of significant scientific value in the basic and/or translational science area(s)
• In consultation with the PI functions independently in the development and execution of research projects
• Plans, conducts, and manages research projects within the federal, institutional regulations and policies
• Collaborates with researchers, external agencies and institutions to develop cooperative research initiatives
• Trains technical staff, students, fellows, and physicians in lab procedures
• Reviews manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
• Assists with the development of high quality publications for peer reviewed, scientific journals
• Assists in composing/developing/ submitting applications for grants, contracts, and research project funding
• Responsible for appropriate use of research funds
• May supervise students or other research staff

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Required
• Master's Degree Preferred
• Doctorate Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• At least nine (9) years of directly relevant scientific lab experience Required
• At least three (3) years of post-fellowship scientific experience Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge in the use of a wide variety of lab techniques, research equipment and research related software
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent critical thinking / problem-solving skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership skills

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

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