What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Lab Tech II position at Mass General Brigham?
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
SummaryThe Torres-Berrío Laboratory at the Lurie Center for Autism and MGH is focused on approaches that integrate advanced circuit, cellular, molecular, and animal behavior methods to understand the mechanisms underlying sex biases in the incidence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, depression and anxiety, with a focus on chromatin regulation and epigenetic mechanisms. This research is on the cutting edge of neuroscience and will advance our understanding of basic developmental processes.
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator carries out a broad range of technical research and experimental activities and procedures. The work has a substantial in vivo component including the dosing and breeding of mice.
Does this position require Patient Care? No
Essential Functions
- Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. pipetting, cell and tissue culture, genotyping, etc.).
- Performs routine experiments including RNA and DNA preparations.
- Performs animal handling and maintenance as directed.
- Conducts animal behavioral experiments
- Conducts stereotaxic surgeries on mice.
- Maintains laboratory notebook and assists with maintenance of animal colony database.
- Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results.
- Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed.
- Refers complex/unusual situations to supervisor and implements changes under direction.
- Performs independent literature searches and writing.
- Organizes materials for publication or presentation.
- Maintains and orders supplies.
- Attends and may present research updates at staff meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Executes protocols of non-routine experiments
- Assists PI with determining the most suitable methodology.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes
Licenses and Credentials:
N/A
Experience:
Laboratory experience as attained through education required. Minimum of 1-2 year of directly related lab experience required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- High degree of independence and proactivity
- Attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Adaptability to changing work environment
- Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.
- Ability to interpret data results.
- Strong Computer skills (Office and database software)
- Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.
- Use of animals and behavioral testing (e.g., social behavior, anxiety-like behavior)
- Knowledge of a variety of behavioral, cellular, and molecular techniques
- Endpoint tissue collection and processing (e.g., cryostat sectioning, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, Westerns, RNA and DNA extraction, genotyping, cDNA synthesis, qPCR
- Mouse stereotaxic surgery
- Image analyses (e.g., fluorescent microscopy)
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
- Standing Frequently (34-66%)
- Walking Frequently (34-66%)
- Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
- Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs (w/assisted device)
- Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
- Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
- Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
- Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
- Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
- Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
- Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
- Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
- Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
- Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
- Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
- Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
- Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
- Talking Constantly (67-100%)
Remote Type
Work Location
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Employee Type
Work Shift
EEO Statement:
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.
