GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

A Research Laboratory Technician I. position is available in the laboratories of Drs. Murat Bastepe, Harald Jueppner, and Thomas Gardella in the Endocrine Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital. This is a full-time 40 hour/week position. The primary responsibility is to assist in ongoing research studies under the supervision of Principal Investigators in the Endocrine Unit.

The Endocrine Unit is a leader in investigating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, parathyroid diseases and general endocrine conditions. Responsibilities include collecting and accurately recording procedures and results, maintaining databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participating in joint upkeep of the lab. This position requires a person who has a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field, pays attention to details, is capable of working independently under close supervision after initial training, possesses good verbal and written communication skills, and works well as part of a team. Work is reviewed regularly with the Principal Investigators, who are available to troubleshoot problems.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Maintains colonies of mice for ongoing projects in the Endocrine Unit. Coordinates matings, performs tagging of mice, genotyping and sequence analysis of genes. Maintains information in databases for mice and coordinates animal transfers.

* Responsible for ordering common laboratory reagents and other supplies and for assuring that supply levels in the lab are adequate. Prepares materials for shipping, assuring compliance with regulations for biological samples.

* Operates moderately complex equipment including microscopes, centrifuges, autoclave, spectrophotometers, PCR machines, quantitative real-time PCR machines, and the dual-detector Envision.

* Techniques used will include: PCR, subcloning, plasmid preparations, maintenance of cell lines, dissection of mice for histological analysis, sectioning of tissue samples, cell culture, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, RNA analyses.

* Imbedding and sectioning of tissue specimen, staining of histological sections.

* Organizes and accurately maintains written records of experimental procedures and data collection. Data may be represented as graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, slides and narrative reports. Is able to learn to interpret data results and has a high degree of computer literacy.

* Aids in maintaining information in databases for plasmids, cells, antibodies, and primers and boxes in the fridge, -20 and -80 freezers.

* Performs basic design and modification of protocols. Executes protocols of non-routine experiments.

* Participates in the upkeep of the lab, performs basic maintenance on laboratory equipment (cleans, disassembles, stores, replaces worn parts), and reports equipment requiring advanced repair.

* Participates in and presents data at weekly lab meetings and journal clubs.

* Interacts well with others and assists in training laboratory personnel in lab techniques and procedures that have been acquired.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

* Experience with basic laboratory techniques in the setting of a research experience or undergraduate biochemistry/molecular biology lab, e.g., sterile cell culture techniques and basic molecular biology techniques-such as plasmid purification, gel electrophoresis, and PCR, generation and staining of histological sections from bone, kidney and possibly other organs. Ability to build upon these techniques, learning new ones as necessary, to conduct the research project.

* Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems.

* Computer literacy.

* Good verbal and written communication skills.

* Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Duties will be performed onsite at the research laboratory.
• Must be willing to work with mice.
• Work will be conducted over a 40-hour workweek and comes with health benefits eligibility.

EDUCATION:

• BS/BA in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field is required.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.