What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Laboratory Technician I position at Mass General Brigham?
Site: The General Hospital Corporation
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
A Research Laboratory Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Marc Wein in the Endocrine Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The Research Laboratory Technician I is a full-time position, and the primary responsibility is to assist in ongoing research studies of bone under the supervision of a Principal Investigator. The MGH Endocrine Unit is a leader in investigating, diagnosing and treating disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, thyroid diseases and general endocrine conditions.
Responsibilities include collection of and accurate recording of procedures and results, working with mice, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. This position requires a person who has Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry or a related field, pays attention to details, is capable of working independently under close supervision after initial training, possesses good verbal and written communication skills, and works well as part of a team. Work is conducted under direct supervision of a postdoctoral fellow and reviewed regularly with the Principal Investigator who is available to troubleshoot problems.
Qualifications
Education
BS/BA in biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry or related field is required.
Experience
Working Conditions
Onsite
Work Location
60 Blossom Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
EEO Statement
The General Hospital Corporation 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.
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
A Research Laboratory Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Marc Wein in the Endocrine Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The Research Laboratory Technician I is a full-time position, and the primary responsibility is to assist in ongoing research studies of bone under the supervision of a Principal Investigator. The MGH Endocrine Unit is a leader in investigating, diagnosing and treating disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, thyroid diseases and general endocrine conditions.
Responsibilities include collection of and accurate recording of procedures and results, working with mice, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. This position requires a person who has Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry or a related field, pays attention to details, is capable of working independently under close supervision after initial training, possesses good verbal and written communication skills, and works well as part of a team. Work is conducted under direct supervision of a postdoctoral fellow and reviewed regularly with the Principal Investigator who is available to troubleshoot problems.
Qualifications
Education
BS/BA in biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry or related field is required.
Experience
- Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment. 1-2 years preferred.
- Experience with basic laboratory techniques in the setting of a research experience or undergraduate biochemistry/molecular biology lab eg: sterile cell culture techniques, microscopy, basic molecular biology techniques–such as plasmid purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and mouse handling.
- Ability to build upon these techniques, learning new ones as necessary, to conduct the research project.
- Must be self-motivated and able to perform multiple tasks independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic proficiency in Word, Power point, Excel, and Internet searches is required.
- Techniques used will include: mammalian cell culture, Western blotting, RNA analyses, PCR, plasmid cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, plasmid preparations, animal handling (mice) and biologic sample collection, dissection of mice for histological analysis, immunohistochemistry.
- Responsible for ordering common laboratory reagents and other supplies and for assuring that supply levels in the lab are adequate. Prepares materials for shipping, assuring compliance with regulations for biological samples.
- Operates moderately complex equipment including microscopes, centrifuges, autoclave, spectrophotometers, PCR machines, plate readers, quantitative real-time PCR machines
- Organizes and accurately maintains written records of experimental procedures and data collection. Data may be represented as graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, slides and narrative reports. Is able to learn to interpret data results and has a high degree of computer literacy.
- Aids in maintaining information in databases for plasmids, cells, antibodies, and primers and boxes in the refrigerator, -20 and -80 freezers, and liquid nitrogen storage.
- Performs basic design and modification of protocols. Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.
- Participates in upkeep of lab, performs basic maintenance on laboratory equipment (cleans, disassembles, stores, replaces worn parts) and reports equipment requiring advanced repair.
- Participates in and presents data at weekly lab meetings and journal clubs.
- Interacts well with others, assists in training laboratory personnel in lab techniques and procedures that have been acquired.
Working Conditions
- Duties will be performed in a research laboratory. No direct patient contact will occur.
- Must be willing to work with mice.
- Work will be conducted over a 40-hour workweek 8:30AM-5:00PM Monday-Friday.
Onsite
Work Location
60 Blossom Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
EEO Statement
The General Hospital Corporation 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.
