Research Technician at Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:


The Lauer Lab is working on antiviral immunity in humans, focusing on two viral infections causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus. Both infections not only cause severe disease with global urgency, they also represent paradigmatic chronic human infections that allow fundamental insights into human immunology, i.e. the determinants of viral control and viral persistence.


The lab is known for combining uniquely curated clinical cohorts with innovative studies of virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells by advanced technologies. The laboratory is funded by two NIH R01 grants and is also a project site for two NIH U19 Cooperative Centers on Human Immunology and HCV vaccine development. Our overall aim is to understand the molecular correlates of protective immunity as well as the pathways allowing pathogens to escape immune surveillance in humans with the goal to inform prophylactic and therapeutic immune interventions.


The Research Technician will work in our Human Immunobiology Laboratory on maintaining and expanding our expansive clinical research sample repository with over 100,000 specimens and also on cutting edge experiments assessing T cell responses targeting Hepatitis B and C viruses, as well as several other viral pathogens. The Research Technician will be responsible for running the day to day operations of a human immunology lab but will also learn performance of advanced T cell assays such as multicolor flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing. Importantly, we expect the successful candidate to integrate into our group of international investigators with a strong collaborative mind set and excellent communication skills.



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.

• • Processing of human research specimens
  
  
  • Performs assays such as flow cytometry on virus-specific T cells, single cell RNA sequencing, immune cell line cultures
  
  
  • Collects and accurately records procedures and results, maintains databases used in the lab and order reagents
  
  
  • Coordinates data collection and screening and verify data; conducts analysis of data, interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis
  
  
  • Manages projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
  
  
  • Organizes and drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts or other documents for publication and or presentations.
  
  
  • Synthesizes and interprets results of studies on regular basis.
  
  
  • Conducts experiments and supervises the joint upkeep of the lab and the adherence to biosafety regulations.
  
  
  • Participates in Dr. Lauer's weekly lab meeting and presents his/her work at a laboratory meetings.
  
  
  • Oversees and coordinates chemical safety in the lab and annual evaluations.
  
  
  • Assists with other laboratory operational and administrative tasks, as needed.
  
  

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Self-motivated, honest, reliable and respectful of peers.
  
  
  Ability to manage daily routines, communicate effectively with members of the lab both orally and in writing.
  
  
  Work carefully, accurately and consistent with instructions or protocols
  
  
  Ability to work independently
  
  
  Work safely with proper use of protective equipment
  
  
  Maintain detailed lab notebook to record all experiments
  
  
  Handle sensitive/confidential information
  
  
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
  
  Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Internet searching techniques
  
  
  Knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements, including hospital policy and procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS



• Duties will be performed in a BSL2 research laboratory on the Main Campus.


• No direct patient contact will occur or is expected in the future.


• Position requires 40 hours per week in the laboratory, actual schedule can be flexible.



Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's of Science degree


• Strong interest in infectious disease and human immunology


• Some experience in a wet lab setting is essential
  
  

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.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action 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, sexual 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. Apply Now