Research Laboratory Technician - Neuroscience

Mass General Brigham • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data. The research lab technician will provide critical support for ongoing projects in a neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of Professor Daniel Polley PhD, Director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories and Kameron Clayton PhD. Ongoing projects seek to understand how the deaf adult brain rapidly reorganizes to support hearing after cochlear gene therapy. Research projects rely on the combination of cutting-edge anatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral experimental approaches in mice. The research lab technician will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Clayton and the Principal Investigator to accelerate the pace of ongoing projects. The research lab technician will learn new concepts in neuroscience, otolaryngology, and data analysis. As detailed on the lab website, all recent post-bac research assistants have been co-authors on primary research papers and enrolled in top medical and neuroscience graduate programs upon completion of their two-year commitment to the lab. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a large basic research center embedded in an active clinical setting that will provide career development opportunities for individuals with an interest in science and medicine.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field of Study required.
• Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.
• Requires application of common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Basic familiarity with MS Windows and computer use for data access and reporting.
• Report hours worked via the semi-automatic time keeping system.
• Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Communicate with lab members via impromptu conversations and digital platforms in English.
• Speak effectively before groups of employees in English.

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of prior laboratory experience preferred.
• Candidates who are in the process of completing their bachelor's degree have a grace period of six months from their hire date (up to 1 year if starting per diem) to provide degree equivalency verification.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
• Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
• Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
• Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.
• May be asked to support acquisition of in vivo measurements of brain activity via 2-photon or fiber-based calcium imaging.
• May be asked to support acquisition of in vivo electrophysiological recordings.
• May be asked to assist in histological processing of brain tissue, obtain high resolution images with confocal or epifluorescence microscopes, and quantify fluorescent protein expression with software analysis packages.
• May be asked to assist in surgery and the care of animals.
• May be asked to support behavioral testing and analysis of behavioral data.
• May be asked to support husbandry and genotyping of the mouse colony.
• May be asked to support data analysis using custom scripts written in MATLAB.
• May be asked to present project updates during scheduled lab meetings.
• May be asked to support lab operations by ordering supplies and communicating with vendors.
• May have the chance to attend and present during educational programs, seminars, and/or conferences.
• May be asked to perform other laboratory related functions as required or directed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits
• Career advancement opportunities
• Differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable
• Recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level