Research Tech I- Pulmonary at Partner's Healthcare in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Site: The General Hospital Corporation


At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission-from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.


At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare - people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds - to apply.



Job Summary
The Rajagopal Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School is seeking a bright and motivated individual for a Research Technician I position. The lab focuses on the critical roles of the cells lining the airways in health and disease. https://www.rajagopallab.com/


The Research Technician will be working closely with Viral Shah, MD, PhD who focuses on two newly discovered cells called the Ionocyte and Hillock.
https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/159120


The lungs are constantly exposed to the external environment and must continuously defend against pathogens, toxins, and other injuries. The cells lining the airway, called the airway epithelium, serve as the first line of defense. Dr. Shah is studying one of these cells called the Ionocyte, a recently discovered cell with unknown functions. Preliminary work suggests potential involvement in diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, and Pneumonia. The Research Technician will be directly involved in deciphering the roles of the ionocyte with Dr. Shah, through numerous established techniques.
After infection and injury, the airway must regenerate. Dr. Shah and others in the Rajagopal lab have discovered a new stem cell, called the Hillock, which is primarily responsible for regenerating the airway after severe injury. Whether the Hillock restores all the critical functions of the airway is unknown. The Research Technician will work with Dr. Shah to investigate this critical question.


Candidates for this position should have a solid background in biology and an excitement for learning new skills. This position would be ideal for those interested in gaining significant experience in biomedical research and considering future graduate and/or medical studies.



Qualifications


Writes and executes protocols of non-routine experiments.


Performs animal husbandry, including the breeding and genotyping of transgenic mice.


Conducts isolation and culture of both human and mouse airway epithelial cells


Performs molecular biological techniques, including DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, and quantitative PCR


Conducts immunofluorescence for confocal and more advanced microscopy


Documents all activities in daily lab notebook


Organizes, analyzes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.


Organizes and/or drafts data for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation.


Attend research meetings and present data.


Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:


Demonstrated competence in basic research techniques and methodologies: Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques, ability to work with mice, ability to work with human samples using universal precautions, and ability to consistently prepare samples to ensure reproducibility.


Ability to work independently and as a team member.


Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.


Ability to interpret acceptability of data results.


Working knowledge of data management programs. (Microsoft Excel required; GraphPad Prism and R/Python desirable).


High degree of computer literacy.


Education:


BA/BS required


Experience:


Some experience performing research in a laboratory setting, either while a student, during summers, or following graduation. Experience in cell and molecular biology preferred.


Working Conditions:


Research laboratories, MGH Simches Research Center (185 Cambridge Street)



Additional Job Details (if applicable)



Remote Type


Onsite



Work Location


185 Cambridge Street



Scheduled Weekly Hours


40



Employee Type


Regular



Work Shift


Day (United States of America)



EEO Statement:


The General Hospital Corporation 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.



Mass General Brigham Competency Framework


At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.