Research Team Leader at Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:



The Project Leader will oversee engineering efforts for the circulating tumor cell (CTC) project in its translation to clinical validation studies. This requires ensuring that the functionality and maintenance of the clinical processors is kept in working order to enable clinical studies on blood samples from patients with cancer. In addition, employee will oversee the transition from prototype devices to scaled-up injection-molded plastic microfluidic devices for the CTC isolation project from leukapheresis samples. These two projects are mission critical for an ongoing collaboration between CEMS and the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at the MGH. More broadly, and as appropriate, employee will direct research into new microfluidic technologies and their fabrication in collaboration with CEMS researchers, focusing also to identify means to adapt these technologies to important applications. Responsibilities are to independently design, organize and carry out experiments for clinical translational bioengineering projects as well as functionally oversee technical support personnel. Work also includes collection and accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, participation in joint upkeep of the lab, grant and progress report preparation as directed, tracking and reporting lab spending and fund allocation, and regular periodic meetings with the PI.


This position requires a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering or a related field and a minimum of 10 years' post-doctoral experience working in a research lab. Must be effective in coordinating the work within the lab and that of the staff. Must be reliable, pay attention to details, meticulous in record keeping, capable of working independently, possess superior verbal and written communication skills, and work well as part of a team.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs, organizes and carries out experiments on independent and group projects. Carries out a wide range of complex lab techniques such as, but not limited to, microfluidic device concept, design, testing, optimization.


• Synthesizes and interprets information obtained from graphs, charts, laboratory experiments, statistical summaries and other data collection methods in order to develop new investigative techniques and/or to determine the most appropriate direction of research. Synthesis involves use of computer programs.


• Prepares written reports on status of research, determination of technical procedures, sequence of operations, including statistical and graphic summaries of findings and possible conclusions. Collaborates with PI in writing and editing material for publication and may appear as principal or secondary author on publications.


• Writes and edits grant applications, including preparation of science section, detailed budgets and justification, and Resources & Environment as needed.


• Responsible for identifying and resolving all issues regarding animal/human protocols, biohazards etc. Ensures that correct paperwork has been done regarding the above and funnels this paperwork through the system. Obtains required approvals from PIs and Research Management; and maintains complete files of all such information.


• Operates and maintains lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges and other scientific equipment related to research activity.


• Works with device and chip manufacturers to scaleup the technology for clinical studies.


• Provides functional guidance and oversight to more technical personnel, including laboratory technicians, PhD students and Postdoctoral Fellows.


• Responsible for smooth daily operation of the lab. Works with the PIs, fellows, staff, and departmental managers to resolve any problems relating to equipment, systems, deliveries, charges, etc., contacting and interacting with appropriate hospital personnel and vendors to correct the problem.


• Orients new laboratory staff to lab policies and procedures and serves as resource for questions. Monitors functional skills and performance, providing feedback as needed.


• Coordinates and provides training of students and research personnel, including moderately difficult to complex lab techniques. This includes but is not limited to: microfabrication of microfluidic devices by soft lithography in the BioMEMS Core cleanroom, operation of microfluidic devices from early exploratory studies through to higher technological readiness levels. Monitors performance and evaluates readiness of each individual to carry out assignments independently; provides remedial instruction as needed.


• Regularly attends group meetings, presenting research findings.


• Participates in interviews of prospective candidates.


• Provides feedback and recommendations on job performance of technical personnel to PI and management


• Participates in other assignments, meetings, committees and projects as needed.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, research protocols and development, lab operations and equipment use and troubleshooting.


• Ability to execute research projects at the highest level of skill.


• Can coordinate the day-to-day operation of a research laboratory.


• Understanding of laboratory safety and ability to communicate, train and lead team members to maintain a safe work environment.


• Understanding of grant application and management processes. Able to work with internal regulatory teams to support the research operations of the lab.


• Skilled in the collection and interpretation of data with the ability to properly identify outcomes, trends and implications. Able to use information to recommend directions in projects and overall research. Able to provide analyses, summaries and documentation for use in publication.


• Able to effectively build working relationships with staff, management, vendors and others to support the operation of the lab and work of the team.


• Ability to communicate technical information, train others in research techniques and equipment use and present information in a public setting such as at meetings.


• Is able to identify, recommend and implement process and operations improvements.


• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write for publication.


• Proficiency in Word, Power point, Excel, Photoshop, End Note, PubMed and other journal & scientific searches.


• Is knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements, including hospital policy and procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).


• Is knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements regarding lab safety, including Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS), MGH Safety Programs - Chemical Hygiene Plan, Fire and Life Safety, Chemical Waste Management, and Radiation Safety.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in biomedical engineering or related sciences plus 10 years' related post-doctoral experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Will oversee research staff and coordinate staff assignments.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Prudent use of hospital resources and cost-effective ordering of supplies. Responsible for helping to keep laboratory budget within allowable limits, and to identify unallowable expenses.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Duties will be performed in a research laboratory. May be exposed to noise, fumes, chemical, cleaning agents and other potential exposures within a research laboratory setting. Periods of prolonged standing, walking, sitting and computer use may occur. No direct patient contact will occur or be expected in the future.


• Work week and schedule can be flexible, depending on laboratory needs as determined by the PI.

EEO Statement

MassachusettsGeneral Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, wechoose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities are strongly encouraged. Apply Now