Job Description

The Monell Chemical Senses Center seeks a Senior Research Technician to run human sensory studies on improving the taste of bitter liquid medicines, a key barrier to patient adherence. You will manage sample preparation, participant recruitment and scheduling, testing sessions, and data collection. You will be expected to follow protocols exactly, keep records to research-grade standards, and help develop new methods.

The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a world-renowned nonprofit research institute and global leader dedicated to advancing knowledge about the senses of taste, smell, and related senses, and translating its discoveries into real-world advances in policy, practice, and behavior. Monell is located in the heart of the vibrant educational and life sciences hub of Philadelphia.

Project Overview

Many liquid medications have an unpleasant bitter taste that can lead patients, particularly children, to refuse or skip doses, potentially compromising treatment effectiveness and overall health. The research team at the Monell Chemical Senses Center is investigating ways to improve these medications' taste to support better patient acceptance and medication adherence. The Senior Research Technician will play an important role in advancing this research by supporting study activities, conducting assigned research procedures, and contributing to efforts to develop more palatable liquid medicines.

Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigators (Dr. Catherine Peyrot des Gachons and Dr. Paul Breslin) and alongside other team members, you will take a hands-on role in running human sensory studies, including:

• Preparing samples (including medicine samples)
• Recruiting and scheduling study participants
• Conducting participant testing sessions
• Collecting data and keeping accurate, clear records
• Analyzing data, writing experimental reports and data summaries, and presenting research findings to others in the lab.
• Following established protocols on your own and helping develop new ones.
• Assisting with lab organization, cleaning, ordering, and management

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, biology, nutrition, food science, chemistry, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human sensory testing, Institutional Review Board (IRB) procedures, data entry, and analysis software.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support primary research projects: Dedicate the majority of time to the assigned research project, supporting its daily execution and contributing to the achievement of established research objectives, timelines, and deliverables. Follow approved study protocols and work collaboratively with the principal investigator and research team to ensure research activities are conducted accurately and efficiently.
• Contribute to laboratory operations and research activities: Provide technical support for additional research projects and laboratory activities as needed. Assist with experimental procedures, sample preparation and processing, data collection, documentation, and maintenance of research materials and equipment to support ongoing laboratory operations and ensure continuity of research activities.
• Develop and apply technical expertise and procedural compliance: Participate in training on study-specific research methods, laboratory techniques, and Monell policies and procedures. Apply training consistently to perform assigned duties, maintain accurate and organized research records, follow established safety and quality standards, and adapt to evolving project requirements under the guidance of the principal investigator or designated supervisor.
• Research Data Integrity and Independent Study Execution: Independently perform assigned research activities with a high degree of dependability, attention to detail, and scientific rigor. Maintain the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of research data by following established study protocols, documenting procedures and results thoroughly, and ensuring data are handled and recorded consistently. Participate in training on study-specific research methods and apply the knowledge gained to execute study procedures reliably, identify and communicate discrepancies or potential issues, and uphold research quality standards with minimal supervision.

Application Instructions

Please apply through our Career Center by following the link below.

Career Center | Recruitment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Monell Chemical Senses Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.