Technical Associate I, Fan Lab

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

76d

About The Position

The Technical Associate 1 position at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory-Fan Lab involves supporting research projects focused on developing and applying novel high-precision optical and molecular technologies to observe and manipulate brain activity. The role requires working with an interdisciplinary team to produce high-impact research and contribute to publications. Responsibilities include planning and executing wetlab and rodent-related experiments, such as molecular cloning, tissue culture, optogenetics, rodent behavior, perfusion, and histology. The associate will design and perform their own experiments, contribute to the publication of findings, and assist in preparing written documents like procedures, presentations, protocols, proposals, and manuscripts. Daily laboratory functions include purchasing reagents, maintaining laboratory stocks, overseeing safety, managing equipment, and chemical inventory. The associate will also interface with veterinary staff, represent the lab to animal oversight groups, assist in training new staff/students, and perform other assigned duties. The lab utilizes cutting-edge technologies combined with behavioral, molecular, and computational approaches to understand brain information processing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, bioengineering, chemistry, molecular and cell biology, or related scientific field.
• Two years of relevant laboratory research experience.
• Self-motivation.
• Solid technical, time-management, planning, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to balance multiple competing priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate across groups.
• Discretion with confidential information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with optogenetics and rodent behavior.
• Familiarity with molecular cloning and tissue culture techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support research projects in the lab focused on high-precision optical and molecular technologies.
• Plan and execute wetlab and/or rodent-related experiments.
• Conduct molecular cloning, tissue culture, optogenetics experiments, rodent behavior, perfusion, and histology.
• Design and perform one's own experiments.
• Contribute to the publication of findings.
• Prepare written documents including procedures, presentations, protocols, proposals, and manuscripts.
• Support daily laboratory functions by purchasing reagents and maintaining laboratory stocks.
• Oversee laboratory safety and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Manage chemical inventory.
• Interface with veterinary staff and represent the lab to animal oversight groups.
• Assist with the orientation and training of new staff/students on lab procedures or techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees