Research Technician I

A position is open for a full time Research Technician I at the MGH Cancer Center in the Maus Lab. We are looking for an experienced, highly motivated, and organized individual to support the research endeavors of this group.

Research Technician I is a full-time position that serves to assist Principal Investigators in a research laboratory. Primary responsibilities are to assist in experiments for research projects under supervision of the project head and the PI of the laboratory. This includes collection of and accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. This position requires a person who has Bachelor of Science degree in molecular/cell biology or a related field, pays attention to details, is capable of working independently after training, possesses good verbal and written communication skills, and works well as part of a team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Principal duties are to assist in preparation of and assist with experiments for research projects under supervision of the project head and the PI of the laboratory. Specifically, the lab is part of the MGH Cancer Center and the focus of the Maus lab is CAR-T cell therapies. The applicant will be expected to become proficient in molecular biology and immunology techniques (cloning, PCR, western blot, cell culture, flow cytometry) and be involved with processing and culture of human blood samples.  The applicant will maintain all data generated in a laboratory notebook, analyze data through a variety of computer programs (Excel, Prism, FlowJo), and participate in weekly lab meetings.  

EXAMPLES TO INCLUDE SPECIFIC TO THE LAB:

*Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.

*Develop, modify and improve routine protocols.

*Calculates, transcribes and analyzes data.

*Participates as a presenter in weekly journal club.

*Organizes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.

*Participates in the design of experiments and benchwork under the supervision of a post-doctoral fellow.

*Process donor blood for leukocytes.

*Highly involved with tissue culture and viral transduction

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:  

* Ability to work independently and as team member

* Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems

* Ability to interpret acceptability of data results

* Working knowledge of data management programs with a high degree of computer literacy.

*Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.

*Careful attention to detail 

*Must be self-motivated

*Excellent verbal and written communication skills

EDUCATION:  

Bachelor’s degree in biology or physical science with laboratory exposure to molecular biology, cell biology, and/or microbiology.

EXPERIENCE: 

Zero to one year research and laboratory experience are required, which could be gained as part of undergraduate education/training.