Research Lab Tech II

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

6h•$24 - $39•Hybrid

About The Position

Carries out a broad range of technically advanced research activities and procedures; evaluates conclusions and has considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results; typically supervises technical and sometimes administrative elements of the research unit. The successful candidate will join the Translational Neuroimmune Psychiatry Program, a new research enterprise in the department of psychiatry led by Dr Baum, its inaugural director. The lab seeks to discover novel, clinically useful biomarkers through interrogation of immune molecules using high-throughput biochemical and histochemical techniques. For example, the lab is using novel methods to discover new auto-antibody syndromes that present with psychiatric symptoms that phenocopy idiopathic bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. The lab is also interested in uncovering why some people with autoimmune disorders like lupus or infectious encephalitis have psychiatric symptoms and some do not, and why some people develop rare immune-mediated adverse events to useful medications in psychiatry. Under the direction of the PI, the research assistant provides assistance with work related to laboratory research (including both experimental and analysis). Most of this work is “dry lab” including analysis of medium-sized datasets using R, Python, or similar environments, as well as IRB, lab management, and organizational or administrative tasks. However, tasks may also include some “wet lab” activities like aliquoting and shipping samples for antibody sequencing, etc. As the research program is in its earliest start-up stages, candidates must be motivated, independent, flexible and with good problem-solving abilities to be able to tackle novel, unanticipated tasks necessary to complete the scientific goals. Should there be interest, there may also be opportunities for more translational research as well, or for qualitative or philosophical work in related Neuroethics topics. Lab website can be found at https://baumlab.bwh.harvard.edu/ . In this role, you will have close mentorship from the PI and other senior personnel, including focused weekly mentorship for individual career development, making it a tremendous training opportunity for a motivated, organized, self-starter. A two-year commitment is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required
Previous Research Lab Experience 1-2 years required
Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.
Ability to interpret acceptability of data results.
Strong Computer skills.
Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.
Bachelor’s degree required with at least one year of full-time research experience post–bachelor’s degree or equivalent significant research experience.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Computational experience with R, Python, or a similar environment is strongly preferred
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Careful attention to detail.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
Computer literacy including database tools.
Ability to follow directions.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
Ability to work as a team member.
Proficient computer skills.
Working knowledge of research protocols.
Must be able to perform multiple tasks with some direction.
Ability to methodically record data and to analyze data using statistics.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to perform routine tests and to prioritize work.
Understanding of molarity and other relevant formulas.
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.
Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.

Nice To Haves

Computational experience with R, Python, or similar environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.
Assists PI with determining the most suitable methodology.
Performs basic design and modification of protocols.
Calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data.
Prepares and presents reports.
Organizes and summarizes acquired data using scientific and Statistical Techniques.
Participates in the design of experiments or field work.
Conducts analysis of results and may also take initiative regarding the interpretation of results
May perform independent literature searches.
Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation.
Maintains and orders supplies.
Develops data visualizations to support interpretation of research findings.
Organizes and/or drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation.
May prepare and maintain specimens.
May prepare basic solutions and perform base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. pipetting, cell and tissue culture etc.) following established methodologies.
May prepare lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment.
Uses universal safety precautions and proper personal protective equipment to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
Completes annual biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate.
Complies with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation sources in the workplace.
Discusses progress of work regularly with supervisor.
All other duties, as assigned.