Research Technician

Job description
Site: Mass General Brigham Incorporated

At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission-from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, 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 a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare - people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds - to apply.

Job Summary
Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data. Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures
-Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
-Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
-Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
-Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
-Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor's Degree Biology preferred

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment. 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

We are seeking a bright and motivated individual for a Research Technician I position in the laboratory of Wayne Shreffler, M.D., Ph.D., in the Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases (CIID). The CIID is a multidisciplinary research center whose goal is to discover new mechanisms and molecular pathways in allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

The main interest of the Shreffler lab is in the mechanisms underlying allergy and tolerance to food allergens. Our lab is mainly focused on human immunology, and we primarily perform experiments with blood samples from allergic subjects enrolled in various clinical trials, as well as non-allergic blood donors. We are studying both innate and adaptive immune responses to allergens and other stimuli, in various types of immune cells. In order to do this, we utilize a wide variety of research techniques including cell isolation, cell culture, gene expression analysis, PCR, flow cytometry and cell sorting, next generation sequencing (RNAseq, TCRseq), and protein level quantification.

In addition, we utilize several software and programming platforms for data collection and analysis. Our lab is highly collaborative, and members are engaged in a variety of projects across different institutions. We are looking for a research technician to play an interactive and integral role in these studies.

Candidates for this position should have a solid background in biology and a strong interest in immunology and molecular biology. In addition, experience with computer programming and complex data analysis is highly preferred. This position would be ideal for those candidates interested in gaining significant experience in biomedical research and considering future graduate studies.

Current projects focus on understanding IgE-mediated food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, and the development of the allergic immune response in young children through a combination of wet lab and bioinformatic analysis of the cellular immune response.

Candidates with laboratory experience outside of formal coursework (summers, thesis projects) are strongly preferred. Those with cumulative full-time laboratory research experience totaling 12 months or greater may be hired as a technician II. Interest in developing skills in bioinformatic analysis of results is a plus, but experience in R or Python is not required. The ideal candidate has excellent organizational skills, is excited to independently drive projects forward, and enjoys learning and troubleshooting new techniques.

The technician will work under the direct supervision of post-docs, junior faculty members, and the PI, and collaborate with a team of 10 clinical research coordinators. For candidates interested in future MD or MD/PhD training, shadowing or limited clinical research coordinator experience can also be arranged, but this position is primarily a laboratory one in the Charlestown Navy Yard facility.

Duties include:
• Longitudinal projects using techniques including but not limited to: traditional and high-dimensional flow cytometry, cell sorting, cell culture, cell migration assays, protein gels and Western blotting, RNA sequencing including single-cell, ELISA, measurement of allergen-specific immunoglobulins via the ImmunoCAP platform. Previous experience in these techniques is a plus, but on-the-jobtraining will be provided.
• Molecular biological techniques, including DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, and quantitative PCR
• Isolation, purification, culturing and cryopreservation of primary white blood cells from human samples
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Participation in general laboratory responsibilities, including ordering and organizing laboratory supplies and reagents, safety maintenance, and laboratory equipment maintenance.
• Regulatory tasks with IRB and IBC
• Participation in collaborations
• Aiding in complex data analysis of large datasets
• Supporting ongoing clinical trials
• Supporting allergic disease biorepository efforts via sample processing, storage, and tracking
• Laboratory inventory management
• Administration duties as assigned

Documents required- College Transcript, Cover Letter and CV

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

300 First Avenue

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

Mass General Brigham Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, ****** orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

United States
Massachusetts
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