Research Lab Technician

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Summary - Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data.

Does this position require Patient Care? No

Essential Functions

• Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
• Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
• Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
• Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.

Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent required and Bachelor's Degree Biology preferred

Experience

Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Our laboratory is interested in studying inner ear regeneration and role of nonneural such as Schwann cells and macrophages in hearing loss and hearing restoration. We use wide-range technologies for our work including genetics, cellular and molecular biology, animal models, human temporal bone otopathology and physiological testing. Our overall goals are to develop treatment for hearing loss in patients. We provide a nurturing environment for work, learning and career advancement.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the general supervision of the investigator, performs laboratory experiments including: genotyping, cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, general biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.
• Performs general laboratory animal work.
• Consults with the investigator as experiments proceed, and with approval, implements necessary adjustments in experimental design.
• Records, reviews, and analyzes test results. Assesses quality of data and repeats tests as necessary to determine reproducibility of results.
• Performs literature searches and helps to prepare presentations and written articles for publication; prepares literature for journal club presentations.
• Maintains common laboratory supplies, solutions, and buffers.
• Prepares and determines suitability of solutions, reagents, buffers, and cell culture media.
• Performs routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Orders laboratory supplies as necessary within budgetary limits.
• Ensures compliance with institutional and federal guidelines in health, safety and animal work.

Qualifications:

• Experience in a directly related research setting preferred.
• Willingness to work with animal models.
• Two-year commitment preferred.

Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Ability to work well with others in an open laboratory environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment with respect to laboratory safety.
• Ability to learn quickly and perform a variety of laboratory procedures including: genotyping, cell culture, sterile technique, DNA/RNA isolation, and PCR.
• Ability to learn and perform basic handling of laboratory mice.
• Knowledge of guidelines for ethical research practice and conduct.
• Ability to assess quality of data and to trouble-shoot technical challenges.
• Ability to perform experiments and represent data in detailed, thorough and precise manner.
• High degree of computer literacy.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• 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%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at ....

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