Research Lab Tech II
About The Position
Dr. Catarina Silva, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, leads a research group within the Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory (CNL) focused on neurodegeneration, molecular biology, and drug discovery. The Silva Lab uses patient-derived iPSC neuronal models to study tauopathies and collaborates closely with both academic and biotech partners in a fast-paced, translational research environment. The Research Technician II will apply a background in molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related field. This position involves culturing human iPSCs, neural progenitor cells (NPCs), and neurons; performing small-molecule treatments and cellular assays; and conducting protein biochemistry experiments. Utilize a strong work ethic, excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, and the ability to plan and prioritize tasks independently over time. Will be open to feedback, committed to scientific rigor, and excited to contribute to high-impact research at the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic development. Will demonstrate enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and work effectively in a team-oriented setting.
Requirements
- Research experience, ideally involving cell culture and/or human neuronal cell lines and hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, including western blot (priority), qRT-PCR and molecular cloning.
- Proficiency in basic laboratory math required for molecular biology, such as calculating molarity, preparing dilutions, and generating or interpreting standard curves.
- Work independently by following detailed protocols and personal notes, execute experiments accurately. Also collaborates effectively as part of a team.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan and manage an experimental schedule to maximize productivity. Multi-tasking skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and capacity to multitask across projects and timelines.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Computer literacy and proficiency in data entry, electronic documentation, and basic data analysis and graphic visualization (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism). A proactive mindset, reliability, and scientific curiosity are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot experiments.
- Ability to assess data quality and interpret experimental outcomes.
- Familiarity with data management and analysis tools.
- Demonstrated competence with research methodologies and experimental techniques.
- Bachelor's Degree required (Ideally in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related scientific field).
- At least 2 years of hands-on experience in a wet lab setting.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience with neuronal cell culture and biochemical techniques such as western blotting are a plus.
- Familiarity with other molecular biology methods (e.g., PCR, cloning, CRISPR editing) is also highly desirable.
- Experience with animal work—such as brain dissections and tissue processing for protein or RNA analysis—will be highly regarded.
Responsibilities
- Primary responsibilities include maintenance of human iPSC cultures, neuronal differentiation, and preparation of cells for drug treatment assays and downstream analysis, with a major focus on western blot and related biochemical assays.
- Plans and organizes experiments with long timelines, often requiring setup weeks to months in advance; success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate experimental needs.
- Performs experimental work related to small-molecule treatments, phenotypic assays (e.g., viability assays, immunocytochemistry), and data collection.
- May occasionally assist with the processing of animal or human brain tissue for protein or RNA extraction and downstream molecular analysis.
- Reads and follows experimental protocols; after training, independently plans weekly schedule and executes assigned experiments with minimal supervision.
- Identifies and communicates issues during experiments; participates in troubleshooting discussions with the PI and lab team.
- Adapts protocols as needed to improve experimental outcomes or address specific project needs.
- Analyzes experimental results, prepares statistical and graphical summaries, and contributes to data interpretation.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date electronic lab notebooks, protocols, and inventory records.
- Prepares written and oral reports for internal meetings; assists in the preparation of figures, presentations, manuscripts, and grant materials.
- Performs literature searches to support experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
- Prepares laboratory reagents and solutions; assists with ordering supplies and maintaining stock of chemicals and materials.
- Contributes to general lab maintenance and organization, including shared equipment care and workspace cleanliness. Help train and orient new lab members, including Research Technicians and Fellows.
- Contribute to experimental design and selection of appropriate methodologies in collaboration with the PI; participate in the design and execution of non-routine or complex experiments.
- Modify and optimize existing protocols or help develop new assay techniques.
- Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate scientific and statistical methods.
- Assist in drafting or editing research manuscripts, presentations, and other scientific documents.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
