Research Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: A Research Technician I position is available in the Miller laboratory at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), located in Boston, MA. Our group is currently building a team of forward-thinking and innovative laboratory research scientists who share the vision of curing cancers using engineered mouse models, functional genetic and small molecule screens, molecular biology tools, and other cutting-edge technologies. By studying patients who suffer from blood cancers like leukemia, the Miller lab has identified novel areas of biology and unmet clinical need across oncology. We then explore these questions using a wide range of experimental methods and technologies with the goal of using our biological insights to identify new drug targets and ways to treat cancers. Our laboratory is in a research building in the main campus at MGH and filled with world-leading labs across many disciplines with access to cutting edge research cores and technologies. It is a demanding and fast-paced environment that requires hard work, attention to detail, and an ability to interact well with others as part of a cohesive team. Successful team members will become proficient across a variety of techniques, especially the use of mouse models. Due to the early nature of this group, a growth mindset and a willingness to take on challenging learning opportunities will be sought out traits and the successful candidate will possess significant opportunities for various types of training relating to the work at hand. If you have a desire to make a significant impact in advancing our care of patients with cancer and have the fortitude to work hard, you will succeed within this team. We are looking for an individual with a BA/BS, and while prior laboratory experience is preferred, it is not required. Both a willingness to work with mouse models and a two-year minimum commitment are required for this position. The ideal candidate will be a driven independent thinker with a strong work ethic, sharing our long-term vision for using biology tools to deepen our understanding of, and ability to treat, blood cancer. An ability to work well with others, plan ahead, and be very organized is required given the highly integrated and interdisciplinary nature of our team and complexity of the projects in the lab. Opportunities for publication will be provided. Primary responsibilities include: Principle Responsibilities Mouse work including maintenance of colonies (handling, genotyping, breeding, husbandry), manipulation of animals (injections, irradiation, euthanasia) and familiarity with animal vivarium policies and procedures. Perform experiments, which may be moderate to complex with increasing independence. Record data and analyze results using basic statistics Maintain and perform experiments with cells in tissue culture. Experience with a wide range of molecular biological techniques (Western Blotting, qPCR, etc.). Prepare laboratory reagents, chemicals, instruments, and maintain equipment. Maintain supplies inventory in accordance with departmental procedures. Secondary responsibilities: Help to prepare presentations and written articles for publication. Possible travel to local area research laboratories for collaborations, training & operational expansion All other duties, as assigned. SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Ability to work independently and as a team member Good oral and written communication skills High degree of computer literacy Organizational skills and ability to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook Ability to perform multiple tasks independently The Research Technician I should also possess: Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions Ability to interpret acceptability of data results Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies Working conditions and physical requirements. All research technicians are trained to work safely with human samples, animal colonies and other laboratory equipment. Occasionally you will have to stand for extended periods of time while performing experiments. All research technicians will be expected to work with mouse models including maintenance of colonies (handling, genotyping, breeding, husbandry) and manipulation of animals (injections, irradiation, euthanasia). Experience B.S or B.A is required. Prior experience in a research lab is preferred but not required PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position. Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. - pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.) Maintains laboratory notebook Understands and applies basic scientific techniques Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment May perform independent literature searches Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation Maintains and orders supplies 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 basic 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/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation. Participate in the design of experiments or field work. SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Ability to work independently and as a team member Good communication skills Computer literacy Working knowledge of clinical research protocols Ability to perform multiple tasks independently The Research Technician II should also possess: Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems Ability to interpret acceptability of data results Working knowledge of data management programs Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required. EXPERIENCE: New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above. Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): A Research Technician II may serve as a team leader to lab assistants and Research Technician I's.