Research Lab Tech II RESEARCH NEUROLOGY Chitnis Lab

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

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

Summary: Carries out a broad range of technically advanced research activities and procedures; evaluates conclusions and has considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results; typically supervises technical and sometimes administrative elements of the research unit.

Does this position require Patient Care? No

Essential Functions:

• Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.
• Assists PI with determining the most suitable methodology.
• Performs basic design and modification of protocols.
• Calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data.
• Prepares and presents reports.
• Organizes and summarizes acquired data using scientific and Statistical Techniques.
• Participates in the design of experiments or field work.

The CLIMB Study team and Translational Neuroimmunology Research Center (TNRC), at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases is seeking to hire a qualified and motivated Technical Research Assistant I.

The individual will work with our multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology biorepository lab. Work will be primarily focused on human sample processing (blood, DNA and CSF) and maintenance of the biorepository (sample logging and retrieval, maintaining and auditing sample inventory, and performing quality control assessments).

In addition, the incumbent will assist with experimental work aimed at biomarker development and understanding the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system using blood samples from the biorepository. They will learn and execute laboratory tasks related to cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation, flow cytometry, Elisa, Ella and qPCR. They will participate and present data in study meetings.

Working under the general supervision of Principal Investigator, postdoctoral fellows and/or the research lab manager, and in accordance with established hospital policies and procedures, conducts a variety of routine and non-routine experiments where methodologies are clearly established or being developed together with Principal Investigator, and will participate in abstracts and manuscripts.

The position will require some evening hours and occasional weekend half days.

Education:
BS required in biological science with hands-on experience in any biology field. Should have previous experience of working in a research lab and familiarity with basic laboratory instruments, equipment, and scientific procedures.

One year of research experience

May consider a bachelor's degree in another area of concentration, if individual has had some course work in the sciences and possesses practical experience in basic laboratory techniques.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine and non-routine tests following established methodologies.
• Processing and freezing biologic specimens (blood, DNA and CSF) from patients collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of patients with multiple sclerosis. As samples may arrive in the lab late in the day, some evening hours are required in order to process all samples the same day as they arrive.
• Maintaining a repository of frozen samples for future and ongoing studies. Recording samples in an Oracle based LIMS system. Troubleshooting logging errors and performing audits of sample inventory. Performing quality control assessments of frozen samples.
• Assisting with experimental work including, but not limited to, assays such as flow cytometry, DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ELISA and Ella. Performs data analysis and preliminary statistical analysis under supervision.
• Ordering laboratory reagents and supplies on a weekly basis.
• Maintaining lab equipment including -80 freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, centrifuges and water bath.
• Involved in orientation and training of other employees, such as new technicians and summer interns. Assists in the day-to-day supervision of high school interns.
• Discusses progress of work regularly with PI/lab manger during weekly lab meetings.
All other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have a sound understanding of laboratory practices and procedures.
• Ability to manage time, to follow instructions, and to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work with attention to detail and punctuality.
• Self-motivated and willing to take initiative.
• Ability to identify potential problems and creatively troubleshoot problems as necessary.
• Must have good manual dexterity and be able to carry items weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Good organizational and record keeping skills; detail oriented.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
Sound degree of computer literacy.

Working Conditions:

Work will mainly be scheduled during regular office and early evening hours. Depending on schedule of incoming blood samples, later shifts (10-6 PM or 11-7 PM) will be required up to two days/week.

Onsite

60 Fenwood Road

40

Regular

Day (United States of America)

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. 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.

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.