Research Technician I

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

1d•$21 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Dr. Rhian Stavely’s research program investigates how the nervous system develops, responds to injury and inflammation, and can be repaired or regenerated. A major focus is the enteric nervous system, the network of nerve cells within the gastrointestinal tract that helps control intestinal function. The research program studies enteric neurons and glial cells, specialized cells that communicate with and support this nervous system, with the goal of understanding why these cells become damaged or dysfunctional in disease and discovering new ways to restore their function. The research program combines basic biology with clinically focused research in neuroscience, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. Current projects include studies of Hirschsprung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and peripheral nerve injury. The laboratory investigates novel sources of stem and progenitor cells, including enteric neural stem/progenitor cells and neural stem cells derived from adipose tissue, and explores their potential for repairing damaged nervous tissue. Other projects use human surgical specimens and transcriptomic and single-cell approaches to understand how inflammation changes the cells and tissues of the intestine, with a particular focus on the enteric nervous system. The Research Lab Technician I will become an important member of the research program and will contribute to projects addressing these questions. Depending on project needs and the technician’s interests, activities may include isolating and culturing primary cells from human tissue, molecular biology, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, characterization of enteric neurons and glial cells, analysis of human surgical specimens, and preparation of samples for genomic and single-cell studies. The technician will work closely with investigators and other members of the research team to perform experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot challenges, and learn new techniques. This position is well suited to someone who is curious about how biology works and interested in connecting laboratory discoveries to human disease. The technician will gain hands-on experience across neuroscience, cell biology, stem cell biology, inflammation, gastrointestinal biology, and regenerative medicine. There will be opportunities to work with primary human cells and tissues, learn emerging experimental approaches, contribute to meaningful research questions, and develop the technical and scientific foundation for a future career in biomedical research, medicine, or graduate education.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred
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.

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.