Research Laboratory Technician - Neuroscience

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

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 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.
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.
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 preferred experience

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.
Support acquisition of in vivo measurements of brain activity via 2-photon or fiber-based calcium imaging.
Support acquisition of in vivo electrophysiological recordings.
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.
Assist in surgery and the care of animals.
Support behavioral testing and analysis of behavioral data.
Support husbandry and genotyping of the mouse colony.
Support data analysis using custom scripts written in MATLAB.
Present project updates during scheduled lab meetings.
Support lab operations by ordering supplies and communicating with vendors.
Attend and present during educational programs, seminars, and/or conferences.
Perform other laboratory related functions as required or directed.