Research Technician
If interested in this opportunity, please visit www.mghcareers.org and apply for Job ID#3251059.
The Moura Silva Laboratory at The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT & Harvard is inviting applications for a Post-Bac - Research Technician. If you are highly enthusiastic, motivated, positive, and talented; if you are curious about how the immune system can support tissue/organ function and metabolism (particularly related to tissue resident macrophages activity); and if you want to work in a dynamic, open and collaborative environment, then we are interested in you! The selected candidate will join a dynamic and exciting research team at the forefront of macrophage cellular immunology and perform experiments to characterize how the activity of these cells impacts the functionality of the white adipose tissue and systemic metabolism.
Additionally, the position also offers opportunities to be involved in projects to develop new tools to manipulate macrophages in vivo. One long-term objective of the lab is to develop new strategies to combat metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for scientific growth, with access to cutting-edge facilities and a terrific work environment. The candidate will work closely with other members of the lab to ensure high-quality and timely delivery of results to meet project timelines. This position aims to provide recently graduated post-baccalaureate trainees a strong foundation in science and research, as well as guided mentoring that will help them successfully transition into biomedical PhD programs, MD-PhD and MD programs.
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
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.
EXPERIENCE:
- 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 serve as a team leader to lab assistants and Research Technician I’s.