Research Technician II

A Research Technician II position is available in the lab of Dr. Dieter Manstein in the Cutaneous Biology Research Center. This position requires an individual who will be able to work independently under close supervision to perform hands-on work on tasks including tissue and cell culturing, medical device prototype evaluation, ex vivo tissue experimentation, histology and immunohistochemistry procedures, operation of various imaging devices, participation in animal research and acting as study staff in human clinical studies. The lab exploits several animal models (mouse, rat, rabbit, pig, etc.), imaging techniques, histology techniques, and uses/develops lasers and other energy-based devices to study tissue response to various procedures, changes in cellular metabolism and/or immune response after various interventions.

This person requires excellent communication skills as they are required to interact, train and perform duties within a large research laboratory at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute protocols of non-routine experiments.
• Perform basic design and modifications of protocols.
• Participates in the design of experiments.
• Prepare solutions and perform base level procedures as assigned.
• Experiments to be performed include procedures on mice, immunohistochemistry, basic molecular biology techniques, cell culture of primary human melanocytes and melanoma cell lines, flow cytometry, Western blots, ELISA.
• Sets up and prepares non-routine experiments.
• Calculates, transcribes and analyzes data.
• Organizes and summarizes acquired data using scientific and statistical techniques.
• Maintains electronic laboratory notebook.
• Maintains mouse colony data in web-based software.
• Assists with organizing materials for publications or presentations.
• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of lab instrumentation and equipment.
• Responsibility for tissue cultures which requires purchasing and stocking of consumables, screening of cell lines for contamination, and lab maintenance.
• Works independently with minimal supervision.
• The RTII will have the opportunity for their own research project, plus the ability to work independently and as a team member.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Good communication and interpersonal skill required.

• Must be able to perform multiple tasks independently.

• Must be highly reliable and organized.

• Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problem

• Working knowledge of research protocols.

• Ability to interpret acceptability of data result

• High degree of computer literacy.

• Ability to work with a dynamic team.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

BA/BS with undergraduate laboratory coursework in the cell biology background is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one-year paid employment as a technician is required.

Prior lab experience, especially in cell culture and working with mouse models, preferred.

Applicants must be reliable, well-organized and have good log-keeping abilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

May serve as a team leader to lab assistants.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): Indicate financial "scope" information, i.e.: size of budget, volume, revenue, etc.; Indicate total physician/non-physician FTE scope

None

WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the conditions in which the work is performed.

Laboratory and animal housing facility environment at MGH Charlestown Navy Yard campus.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital 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.