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Research Technician II - Center for Genomic Medicine

Dr. Catarina Silva in the Chemical Neurobiology Lab (CNL, PI Dr. Stephen Haggarty), within the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Genomic Medicine, is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, and driven technician assistant with a scientific background in neurobiology, molecular biology, or related fields. The Research Technician will work under direct supervision of the PI Dr. Catarina Silva and mentorship of Dr. Stephen Haggarty, and conduct research in the fields of neuroscience, human stem cell biology and chemical biology, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., tauopathies) and drug discovery.
The research includes human neuronal cell culture, stem cell (iPSC) culture, CRISPR engineering, and drug treatment for phenotypic analysis, in collaborative projects within MGH and external academic and biotech partnerships. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in cell culture techniques, preferably stem cells, accurate analytical talent, strong communication and people skills, and desire to work in fast-paced, collaborative, translational research at the interface of neuroscience and therapeutic development.
 
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:     
  • Attention to detail, methodological consistency, excellent record keeping, and ability to plan/execute parallel experiments.
  • Experimental focus on culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and neuronal cell differentiation, treatment with small molecules, biochemical and phenotypic assays (e.g., western blot, viability assays, immunocytochemistry).
  • CRISPR-engineering of human iPSC for introduction or correction of gene mutations.
  • Plans and sets up experiments as directed; performs and implements basic design and modification of protocols, including existing or new assay techniques.
  • Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.
  • Conducts analysis of results, including statistical and graphic summaries. Begins interpretation of results with relevant discussion points.
  • Prepares and presents written/oral reports.
  • Maintains an up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook, protocols folder, and inventory of samples and reagents.
  • Assists with organizing materials for publication, grants, reports, or presentations.
  • Performs independent literature searches.
  • Prepares solutions and performs base-level laboratory procedures as assigned (e.g., lab and cell culture reagents preparation, chemicals inventory, order of supplies).
  • Orients and trains new Research Technicians and Fellows.
  • Assists when needed in laboratory management.
  • Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. – pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.) 
  • Maintains laboratory notebook 
  • Understands and applies basic scientific techniques 
  • Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results 
  • Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed 
  • Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment 
  • May perform independent literature searches 
  • Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation 
  • Maintains and orders supplies 
A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also: 
  • Execute protocols of non-routine experiments 
  • Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology 
  • Perform basic design and modification of protocols 
  • Calculate, transcribe and analyze data 
  • Prepare and present reports 
  • Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques. 
  • Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation. 
  • Participate in the design of experiments or field work. 
 
Qualifications
SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member 
  • Good communication skills 
  • Computer literacy 
  • Working knowledge of clinical research protocols 
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks independently 
  • The Research Technician II should also possess: 
  • Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems 
  • Ability to interpret acceptability of data results 
  • Working knowledge of data management programs 
  • Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies 
PREFERRED:
  • Preferred 2+ years of experience in a research-related field that includes cell culture experience.
  • Preferred experience in neurobiology and/or stem cell models of CNS disorders.
  • Ideally, experience with neuronal cell culture and trained in molecular biology and genetic techniques: western blot, (q)RT-PCR, cloning, CRISPR engineering.
  • Functions with precision and understands theory and goals behind tests and procedures.
  • Proficient in use of computer software for quantitative analysis, preparation of written reports (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator).
  • Highly motivated and organized.
  • Ability to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and multitask.
  • Ability to work independently and displays initiative to introduce innovations to research study.
  • Strong research design and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to problem solve.          
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to supervise and help trainees and students.
 
EDUCATION
  • B.Sc. degree required. M.Sc. degree preferred.
 
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
  • The ideal candidate will have a B.Sc./M.Sc. or related degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a related science, with at least 1 year of experience in wet lab, ideally with experience in human stem cell biology and neuronal cell culture. Experience in CRISPR technologies is also preferred.
  • Required experience in some molecular biology techniques such as (q)RT-PCR, western blot, immunocytochemistry, cloning and CRISPR-editing.
  • Excellent multi-tasking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are required.
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule, including potential/rare weekend work if needed to maintain cells.