Research Lab Technician - Vestibular System Research

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary
Job Profile Summary
Summary
Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data.

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.

Does this position require Patient Care?
No

Essential Functions
-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.

Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- 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.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

We are recruiting for an entry level research assistant position (RLT1) at Mass Eye and Ear (MEE), a part of Mass General Brigham (MGB).  The candidate will work on a Federally funded research project that is investigating how vestibular (balance) function is affected by tumors that grow on the nerve connecting the balance part of the inner ear to brain.

In addition, we will study how interventions to treat these tumors (surgery, radiation, medication) affect the tumors and the patient’s balance abnormalities.  Patient groups include normal control subjects, people with sporadic vestibular schwannoma tumors on one side, and people with the genetic abnormality NF2 who invariably develop these tumors on both sides.

Specific responsibilities for this position include recruiting and scheduling patients for testing, performing vestibular and other balance tests on these subjects, analyzing data, and assisting in other parts of this study, which include obtaining tumor tissue during surgery and organizing imaging (MRI) and hearing (audiology) data.  You will do these tasks as part of a team that includes a research scientist, an otologist, and the principal investigator who is an otoneurologist.

Prerequisites are a college degree, familiarity with computers, and an ability to work well with other people in the lab and with the patients we test.  Expertise in programming or hardware is not required.

This is a half-time (20 hour/week) position, and we hope to hire someone who can remain in this position for a minimum of two years.  If you are interested, please respond to this job posting.

Remote Type
Onsite

Work Location
243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours
20

Employee Type
Regular

Work Shift
Day (United States of America)

Pay Range
$21.00 - $29.01/Hourly

Grade
5
At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement:
5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

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At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.