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

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:


The laboratory of Dr. Shiaulou Yuan in the MGH-Harvard Cardiovascular Research Center is seeking a full-time Research Technician to perform zebrafish animal work, basic molecular biology, wet lab research, and lab managerial duties. The selected candidate will join a group of talented and motivated basic scientists whose work may advance our understanding of how the heart develops and the pathophysiology of congenital heart diseases and birth defects.


We are a multidisciplinary group of biologists, biophysicists, and microscopists who aim to understand how fluid flows and biophysical forces shape the developing heart and how these mechanisms underlie cardiac disease pathogenesis when gone awry. Specifically, we seek to illuminate how the cilium, a hair-like structure found on most cells in the human body, acts as an "antenna" to sense and translate extracellular signals into molecular processes that sculpt the early heart (Science, 2023). The penultimate goal of our research is to better understand cardiac development and diseases by combining state-of-the-art approaches from developmental biology, cell biology, genetics, biophysics, and microscopy in zebrafish, mice, and cell models.


Specifically, the candidate will be involved with a research project to elucidate cilia's role in the heart by applying 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy, optical tissue clearing, and live cell imaging to zebrafish, mice, and human cells. Additionally, the candidate's primary responsibility is to perform day-to-day tasks (such as zebrafish husbandry, PCR genotyping, ordering supplies, updating lab protocols, and managing lab safety procedures) to ensure the smooth progression of the project. Furthermore, the candidate will be asked to assist with the management, maintenance, and care of zebrafish lines that are essential to the project. The candidate must be comfortable handling zebrafish and working in a setting with delicate custom optical instruments. Previous experience with zebrafish, aquatic husbandry, microscopy, image analysis, molecular biology, and gene-editing techniques would be a significant plus.


The ideal candidate will: (1) have an undergraduate degree in biology, biophysics, bioengineering, or related fields, (2) have previous research experience in a wet laboratory, (3) have a strong interest in developmental biology, cardiovascular biology, and microscopy, and (4) be capable of working as part of a team and also independently.


This position offers excellent opportunities to work in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary research environment, interact with prominent scientists and physicians at MGH-Harvard, and become a valued member of a fun and growing research team. Further, the candidate will benefit from opportunities to publish, attend research conferences, and receive guidance and support for future career choices.


As a member of MGH, Harvard, and the Greater Boston scientific community, the Yuan laboratory is in a rich research environment for zebrafish genetics, cardiovascular biology, cilia signaling, and imaging technologies. As such, the candidate will be immersed in a productive scientific setting and have access to cutting-edging research tools.


Yuan lab website: https://yuan.mgh.harvard.edu



PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform wet lab experiments using zebrafish, mice, and human cells


• Assist with imaging, tissue clearing, and tissue sectioning of zebrafish, mice, and human cells


• Management of zebrafish animal colony


• Isolation of genomic DNA from zebrafish tail biopsies


• Genotyping of mutant and transgenic zebrafish by PCR and fluorescence screening


• Oversee laboratory organization, protocols, and safety procedures


• Maintains and orders lab supplies and reagents


• Prepares lab chemicals, instruments, and equipment


• Coordination of equipment maintenance and repairs


• Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed


• Attend Yuan lab meetings


• Attend departmental seminars and retreats


• Maintain accurate records in a laboratory notebook


• Understands and applies basic scientific techniques


• Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results

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 fundamental 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 draft material for preparing research papers, manuscripts, and other documents for publication and presentation.


• Participate in the design of experiments or fieldwork.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:


• Candidate should be able to work independently, show initiative and confidence in making decisions, able to multitask, not easily stressed, and one who is not easily discouraged by failed experiments but enjoys a challenge


• Ability to work independently and as a team member


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Comfortable with computers and electronics


• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently


• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping



Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS:



The candidate will work in a wet research laboratory on the Navy Yard research campus of the MGH-Harvard Cardiovascular Research Center. Experiments and routine duties will involve using zebrafish animals and aquatic facilities and may include using mice and tissue culture cells.



EDUCATION:



A bachelors degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Physics, or a related discipline is required



EXPERIENCE:



One year of animal experience in a wet laboratory setting is strongly preferred. Previous experience handling zebrafish is highly desirable. Must be comfortable working with zebrafish. Experience in microscopy, molecular biology, and biostatistical data analysis is preferred but not required.



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