Research Technician - (3219354)

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: 

The Seed Laboratory within Center for Computational Integrative Biology of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center is seeking a highly motivated individual to work in the area of drug discovery, molecular cell biology, immunology. This is an ideal opportunity for working in a highly collaborative, translational research group working at the interface of chemistry, biology, and therapeutic development.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with at least a Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biological or related sciences. Prior one to two-year lab experience is preferred. Experience with ES cell culture, mice, molecular biology and biochemistry is of tremendous value. Excellent critical thinking skills and attention to detail needed. Must be able to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems, work independently, and handle a variety of tasks. Excellent oral and written communication skills along with meticulous laboratory technique and recording skills are required. Experience with mouse colony management, diverse cell culture, bench-level experience in molecular cloning, biochemical assays such as Western analysis, PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, luminescence, etc. is desirable. Knowledge of statistics and programs such as GraphPad Prism would be preferred. It is important that the candidate possess an eagerness to learn new scientific ideas and methods.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position.  

• 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. 

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 
• Techniques:
• Molecular cloning
• Tissue culture and prefer embryonic stem cell culture
• Cell based assays
• Protein work
• Emulsion based single cell RNAseq
• Flow cytometry
• 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 

EDUCATION: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree preferred. 

EXPERIENCE: 

• 1-2 year of research laboratory experiece desirable. 
• New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above. 
• Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): 

A Research Technician II may supervise Undergraduate or High School Interns, lab assistants and Research Technician I’s.