Technical Research Assistant II

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

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
This position is for primarily on-site, basic research in a research lab located in a dedicated research building (not a clinical hospital setting).

Working independently, under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, will conduct a variety of routine experiments where methodologies are clearly established and will determine whether results warrant repeating or modification. Calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data using basic statistics. May perform literature searches under direction of supervisor.

This position will focus on studies of studies of human protein-DNA interactions and DNA regulatory elements by a combination of biochemical and cell culture based approaches. These data will aid in understanding mechanisms of transcriptional gene regulation and the impact of coding and noncoding genetic variation.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research in gene regulation and genomics, and offers a stimulating, academic environment, and the opportunity to work in a team setting involving experimental and computational scientists. This position also offers the opportunity to gain valuable written and oral communication skills, and the possibility for co-authorship on publications. This position is ideal for a recent college graduate seeking to gain additional laboratory research experience.

Qualifications

Working independently, under general supervision, performs routine laboratory procedures following established protocols. These procedures may include: preparation of solutions and media, growth of bacterial cultures, DNA mini- and midi-preps, submitting DNA samples for Sanger and Illumina DNA sequencing, preparation of E. coli glycerol stocks, mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, Gateway recombinational cloning, preparation of Illumina DNA sequencing libraries, restriction enzyme based or Gibson assembly DNA cloning, expression and purification of recombinant proteins, DNA and protein gel electrophoresis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), PCR, Western blots, Coomassie or other staining of protein gels, in vitro transcription and translation, quantitative real-time PCR, RNA purification, preparation of Illumina DNA sequencing libraries. Other duties may include: protein binding microarray (PBM) experiments and data analysis; other biochemical assays of protein-DNA binding activities; mammalian cell culture; lentiviral transduction of mammalian cells; chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).

Working independently, under general supervision or with instruction as needed, analyzes Sanger sequencing results, analyzes Illumina sequencing reads, analyzes quantitative real-time PCR data, performs DNA sequence motif analysis, protein sequence analysis and other computational sequence analyses, and prepares figures using R and other statistical analysis tools.

Maintains complete daily records of methodologies and test results in laboratory notebook. May present results in lab meeting presentations.  May prepare figures or sections of text for grant applications or manuscripts.

Regularly reports findings to supervisor on a weekly basis.  Identifies unusual findings and reports such findings to supervisor.

Maintains equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner. Maintains chemical hood and tissue culture hood in a neat and orderly manner.  Maintains chemical weigh bench and gel running bench in a clean & orderly state, including re-applying bench liners. Maintains the sinks in a clean & orderly state.

Maintains established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as directed including providing technical support for postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and senior technical research staff working in the laboratory under the Principal Investigator’s supervision.

Submits and/or places orders for supplies, chemicals, and other reagents.

Competencies:

·        Must have a sound understanding of laboratory policies and practical experience in laboratory techniques and procedures.

·        Sound analytical and organizational skills.

·        High degree of computer literacy.

·        Must be able to work in a Linux environment.

·        Must have good manual dexterity.

·        Must have a flexible work schedule.

·        Must demonstrate careful attention to detail.

·        Ability to identify potential problems and trouble-shoot solutions.

·        Must be able to maintain a neat and orderly working environment.

·        Fluent command of spoken and written English is absolutely required.

·        Good interpersonal and communication skills.

·        Ability to demonstrate professionalism.

Qualifications:

A recent Bachelor of Science degree in a biological science or related science or engineering field is required. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in another area of concentration may be considered if the applicant has had significant coursework in the sciences, has the required prior laboratory work experience, and demonstrates strong potential.

Applicant must have basic Linux proficiency and preferably some computer programming experience.

Must have at least one year of experience in a directly related research setting, such as from summer research experiences or other focused experiences in an independent research lab.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type
Onsite

Work Location
77 Avenue Louis Pasteur

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Employee Type
Regular

Work Shift
Day (United States of America)

Pay Range
$24.28 - $39.43/Hourly

Grade
6
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:
2200 The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. 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.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

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.