Research Technician
If interested in this opportunity please visit www.mghcareers.org and apply for JOB ID# 3211361.
Job Link: https://partners.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=3211361&lang=en
Research Technician
- (3211361)
GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
The Research Tech I will support The MGH Mukerji Lab for Neuroinfectious Diseases. Our research group works in a rich multidisciplinary environment involving clinicians and researchers focused on biomarker discovery at the intersection of neurology and HIV infection. This project is a collaboration between the Mukerji lab and the Sirbulescu Lab in the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center.
The work will be part of an ongoing clinical trial in people with HIV with depressive symptoms, and observational studies in people with HIV. The objectives for the position focus on processing samples for immunophenotyping, RNA sequencing and biomarker identification, and the successful candidate will be part of a larger clinical team of neurologist, infectious disease clinicians and neuroradiologists. The position would be anticipated to last for at least 5 years.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Research Tech I will undertake experiments utilizing flow cytometry, RNA isolation and sequencing, and biomarker assays. Research activities may include assistance with statistical and computational analysis of data sets.
Key Objectives for Specific Role:
- Panel optimization and generation of trial-specific flow cytometry protocols for immunologic characterization of cell populations from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in people with HIV
- Immunological analysis using FlowJo
- Specimen and sample preparation from people with HIV
- Nucleic acid purification and RNA sequencing
- Conduct basic laboratory procedures with blood or CSF specimens, including sample aliquoting, labeling, and storage
- General lab maintenance includes but is not limited to ordering or organizing laboratory supplies and freezers and ensuring maintenance of equipment and BL2+ space
- Receipt of human samples from national databanks for the assessment of inflammatory cytokines
- Shipment of human samples to collaborators for biomarker assays
- Assist with study regulatory documents, including maintaining and updating Institutional Biosafety Committee protocols
- Additional duties as assigned.
General Expectations for all Lab Members:
- Participate in the design of experiments
- Transcribe, organize, and analyze experimental data
- Follow strict methodology to execute experiments and analyses
- Perform independent literature searches and synthesize findings
- Assists with materials for publication and presentation
- Assist with formal audits of data
- Blood collection for research participants, if needed.
The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Key Skills for Specific Role:
- Knowledge of molecular methodology
- Ability to work with infectious human samples safely
- Ability to maintain a detailed laboratory and well-organized record of research performed and results obtained.
General Skills for all Lab Members:
- Must have a professional demeanor and a strong commitment to patient confidentiality
- Ability to work collaboratively with all members of the trial team and research centers
- Ability to establish priorities, balance demands of multiple projects, and meet deadlines
- Attention to detail and ability to adjust based on feedback
- Ability to focus, work independently and to regularly seek feedback
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and operating system: MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint.
- Preferred: Familiarity with basic descriptive (e.g., median, mean, counts), and inferential statistics (e.g., t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum, ANOVA).
EDUCATION:
BA/BS in biological science or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Undergraduate laboratory experience plus summer laboratory experience is required, preferably one year of full-time laboratory experience. Familiarity with the basic concepts of immunology will be a plus, as will experience with flow cytometry or mass cytometry.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Duties will be performed at the MGH Charlestown Navy Yard. Standard office environment and wet bench laboratory environment at BSL1 and BSL2 biohazard levels.
We anticipate work will be conducted over a twenty-hour work week until the start of the clinical trial in January 2023, after which work will be over a forty-hour work week; the schedule will be flexible. When study visits occur on weekends or after 5pm, the expectation will be that the candidate stays for blood processing.
Travel may include sites within MGH for patient sample processing, including travel to Broad Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and MGH Main Hospital (using internal shuttle services).
Massachusetts General Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum of human diversity: race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.