Laboratory Assistant

Mass General Brigham; Belmont (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham's McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA is seeking a Research Assistant to support behavioral neuroscience studies in animal models, including MRI-based experiments and pharmacology assays. You will assist in daily experiments, data collection, and ensure study protocols are followed under supervision.

The role emphasizes teamwork, data analysis with statistics software, and contribution to lab operations and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or high school diploma/equivalent required.
• Experience with handling live lab rats preferred.
• Experience in lieu of a degree is not accepted.

Responsibilities

• Assists other laboratory staff with health monitoring of laboratory rats and handling.
• Data collation and statistical analysis using lab equipment and computers.
• Participate in training of students and newer staff after training.

Skills

Data analysis

Lab assistance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred or High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Tools

Startle equipment (San Diego Instruments Brand)

Job description

Site: The McLean Hospital Corporation

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

Assists research team in lab.

Does this position require Patient Care?

No

Essential Functions

• Assists other laboratory staff with health monitoring of laboratory rats, animal handling, weighing, food and water regimens, and unconditioned behavioral experiments including startle and prepulse inhibition of startle.
• Data collation, transformation, and descriptive and inferential statistics using laboratory equipment and personal computers.
• Principal duty #3: after training and some experience, will participate in the training of students and/or newer staff members.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred or High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?

No

Licenses and Credentials

Preferred Experience

Prior experience with handling live laboratory rats, both male and female, including administration of indicated drug doses via subcutaneous injections using aseptic technique preferred Prior experience with startle equipment including startle and prepulse inhibition of startle (San Diego Instruments Brand) preferred Prior experience with processing startle and prepulse inhibition of startle data, prior experience with descriptive and inferential statistics for startle and prepulse inhibition of startle data 0-1 year preferred Prior experience with descriptive and inferential statistics for startle and prepulse inhibition of startle data. Prior experience working with a team in a laboratory setting using rats as experimental subjects in behavioral studies, specifically startle and prepulse inhibition of startle studies.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Conduct behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology research in laboratory animals using high-field MRI and behavioral assays to study how drugs and environmental conditions affect brain function and behavior. Analyze data, report findings, and support laboratory operations, animal care, safety, and maintenance.

This research assistant position is at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. The Laboratory Assistant will perform behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology studies in laboratory animals. Responsibilities include conducting daily experiments using high-field magnetic resonance imaging to study how drugs and environmental conditions change brain structure or function, and concurrent imaging and behavioral assays to study neurobehavioral processes. The assistant will handle laboratory animals and learn experimental techniques, complex neuroimaging and behavioral assays, and stereotaxic surgery skills under supervision. The assistant will analyze data with statistics and graphics software and prepare reports of results. The role also supports laboratory maintenance, safety protocols, animal care, and husbandry. Qualifications: High school diploma and at least 10 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, pharmacology, or neuroscience.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

115 Mill Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

0

Employee Type

Per Diem

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$15.89 - $22.31/Hourly

Grade

MRA005

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.

EEO Statement

1600 The McLean Hospital Corporation 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.