Research Laboratory Technician

Massachusetts General Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
60 Blossom Street (Show on map)
Feb 12, 2025
A Research Laboratory Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Michelle Rengarajan in the Endocrine Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital. This is a full-time 40 hour/week on-site position. Our current research is focused on improving therapies and clinical care for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In addition, we have a long-standing interest in human autoimmunity. We aim to 1) develop non-invasive biological markers to track Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) disease progression and 2) better understand how the immune system affects the efficacy and safety of gene therapies for DMD and other rare diseases. The primary responsibility is to assist in ongoing research studies under the supervision and direction of Michelle Rengarajan MD, PhD and lab staff. The lab technician will be a full-time member of the lab, participating in research as well as laboratory management. The job will include conducting an independent research project, as well as keeping meticulous records, and presenting at lab meetings and scientific conferences. We expect that highly motivated individuals will contribute to the lab's publications and will accordingly be credited with authorship on scientific manuscripts. This position requires a BA/BS degree in molecular/cell biology/biochemistry/bioengineering, or a related field. Critical skills include superb verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently (under close supervision after initial training) and as part of a team. As we are a relatively new lab, there is much potential for learning, growth and skill- development within this role. In this role, technicians are not limited to repetitive tasks, but instead will gain agency over their own projects and are encouraged to provide input on the project's direction. This is an ideal position for someone looking for research experience prior to applying for graduate school or medical school. Interested applicants should submit a resume and 2-3 references. Two year commitment preferred. PLEASE NOTE: We are hiring 2 research technicians in this role. Please apply to either job ID #RQ4004014 or RQ4004010. The responsibilities are the same. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Responsibilities comprise, but are not limited to: Carrying out basic lab protocols including (but not limited to) Western blots, tissue/blood banking, functionalizing microfluidic chips, extraction of DNA/RNA, quantitative RNA analysis, tissue/cell culture, column chromatography, flow cytometry, and sequencing library preparation. Basic lab maintenance tasks which may include tracking and ordering of common laboratory reagents and other supplies. Accurately maintaining a written record of all experiments and data collected. Interpreting results, presenting to the lab team, and providing input on the project's direction. Training additional laboratory personnel in acquired skills and procedures. Education BS/BA in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry or related field is required. Experience Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment. 1-2 years preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges. Basic laboratory techniques and the ability to build upon these techniques as necessary. Analytical skills and the ability to resolve and troubleshoot technical problems. Computer literacy. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Experience with coding and large-scale data analysis is valued but not required. Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments. Prior laboratory experience and demonstrated interest, either through academic coursework/lab work, internships, or employment. Previous laboratory experience is highly preferred but all experiments will be taught upon joining the lab. Working Conditions Duties will be performed in a research laboratory. Work will be conducted over a 40-hour work week, M-F 8:30AM-5:00PM. The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity 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.