GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
Dr. Catarina Silva in the Chemical Neurobiology Lab (CNL) and Dr. Elisabetta Morini in the Center for Genomic Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic candidate to join their research group. Their research is focused on investigating the role of mRNA splicing alterations in the onset of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The ideal candidate will have effective learning skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills. S/he will preferably have a background and/or interest in human genetics, neuroscience and/or medicinal chemistry. The research will have a strong emphasis on human neuronal cell culture together with biochemical and genetic assays. Thus, some cell culture experience is highly preferred.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
- Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. – pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
- Maintains laboratory notebook
- 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, grant reports, and other documents for publication and/or presentation.
- Participate in the design of experiments or field work.
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member
- Good communication skills and willing to receive feedback to improve competences
- Computer literacy
- Working knowledge of research protocols relevant to cell culture and/or genetic techniques
- Ability to perform multiple tasks independently
The Research Technician II should also possess:
- Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems (troubleshooting)
- Ability to interpret acceptability of data results and find alternatives for data improvement or assay optimization
- Working knowledge of data management programs
- Demonstrated competence in developing and implementing both established and new 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.
Experience in cell culture, biochemical assays (e.g., western blotting) and/or genetic assays (e.g., PCR) is preferred.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):
A Research Technician II may serve as a team mentor to lab assistants and Research Technician I’s.
EEO Statement Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.