Research Technician I at Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH) in Somerville, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:



The Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit (ACTRU/ Arnold lab) and the MGB Clinical Translational Research Unit Core (CTRU/ fee for service) is seeking to hire a highly motivated and organized self-starter with excellent people skills to work with evaluating and running biomarker assays in samples from Alzheimer's Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders within our biomarker research core. ACTRU is a multidisciplinary unit using a basic science to clinical translational research approach to designing patient-oriented experimental and clinical trials for aging and dementia. These involve advanced digital health assessments, neuroimaging, and ultra-sensitive molecular biomarker detection technologies in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue. The mission of the CTRU is to support investigators in the discovery, development, and implementation of promising therapeutics and associated diagnostics for individuals with complex brain and other disorders affecting cognition, behavior, emotion, sensory and motor functioning, and other diseases.


The role will involve evaluating and performing a variety of immunobiochemically based biomarker assays both manually and on automated equipment in a range of research projects including translational studies, clinical trials, and as a core service. Work will be performed under the supervision of the Director of the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) Biomarker Core. Additionally, the Laboratory Technician will serve as the main point of contact for biomarker research conducted by investigators representing the MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and the MGH Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology and, the greater MGB Research community.


The Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard communities offer an extraordinarily rich and diverse opportunity for collaboration, learning, and mentorship alongside a highly talented pool of researchers and clinicians.


**Please include a cover letter with your application detailing your specific interest in this position and how your previous experience relates to the principal duties of the role.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform ELISA and other biochemical assay protocols including retrieval of samples from biorepository, sample pre-processing, and running manual assays. Fit-for purpose assay testing of novel commercial assays according to the lab Manuals of Operation (MOO) and developing lab MOOs for assays that pass fit-for-purpose testing.


• Run standardized ELISA assay protocols on the Fujirebio Lumipulse and the Quanterix HD-X automated analyzers. Direct experience with these specific platforms is not required, but candidate should be comfortable with running complex instrumentation.


• Assess assay results for Quality Control failures and consult with supervisors to address action to be taken.


• Communicate with internal and external Biomarker Core users to coordinate study procedures. Assist with core record keeping and study documentation.


• Collaborate closely with the ACTRU Clinical team to streamline biomarker workflows and assist in sample collection and banking where necessary.


• Ordering laboratory reagents and supplies. Maintaining equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner.


• Participate in weekly lab meetings and present data.


• Performs other duties or special projects that are department or unit specific, and that are appropriate to this level of position.


• A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also:


• Assist with the design and troubleshooting of methods new to the lab and performing non-routine experiments with supervision from the MIND Biomarker Core Director, laboratory post-docs, and other staff. Develop lab MOOs for novel assays.


• Liaison with Biomarker Core users to provide cost estimates, recommend suitable assays, set up experimental design, perform biomarker assays, perform initial quality control analysis, and maintain records under supervision from the MIND Biomarker Core Director.


• Recruit and consent study participants and perform study visits under supervision of MIND Biomarker Core Director and ACTRU Staff. Maintaining study documentation including source documents, recruitment materials, IRB documents, and study databases.


• In collaboration with ACTRU data analysis team, analyze data, perform basic statistical analysis, and prepare figures for publications and reports.


• Opportunities to travel and present at National Conferences may be available at the discretion of the incumbent's Supervisor.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:



Will assist PI with ordering using the electronic ordering system.



WORKING CONDITIONS:



Work will be performed in the ACTRU laboratory in Building 114 in the Charlestown Navy Yard. This is a fully onsite position.


Primary Location: USA-MA-Charlestown


Work Location: 114 16th Street Charlestown 02129



Qualifications

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have a strong motivation to learn


• Familiarity with ELISA assay principles


• Solid understanding of laboratory practices and procedures preferred


• Must have excellent interpersonal, speaking, and writing abilities


• Ability to manage work processes in a neat and orderly way, to follow instructions, and to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team


• On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessary


• Must be able to prioritize and perform multiple tasks independently


• Ability to demonstrate professionalism


• Sound degree of computer literacy required. Familiarity with programming in R preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS:



Licenses Preferred: IATA Certification for Shipping Biohazardous Materials


Certifications Preferred: Good Clinical Practice, CITI certification in protection of human subjects



EDUCATION:



Bachelor's Degree required.


Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: Premedical sciences, bioengineering, or related science



EXPERIENCE:



Previous research experience is desirable but not required for a Research Technician I position. Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience may be considered for a Research Technician II position.



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. Apply Now