Research Lab Technician - Neuroscience

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - MEI; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support a neuroscience research program at 243-245 Charles Street. You will perform experiments, prepare samples, and record data under supervision, with opportunities to learn advanced techniques and tools used in molecular neuroscience.

The role requires a Bachelor's in neuroscience or related field, 6 months of wet-lab experience, and capability to handle live mice and work with hazardous materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, genetics, biology or related discipline
• Six months of wet lab experience required
• Ability to handle mice and perform procedures on anesthetized or euthanized mice
• Ability to work with hazardous materials
• Detail-oriented with good organizational and multitasking skills

Responsibilities

• Handle live mice to set up crosses and collect tissue for genotyping
• Dissect and process cochlear and brain tissues
• Perform in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
• Prepare buffers and reagents for molecular biology
• Run gel electrophoresis
• Acquire images using epifluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Assist in general lab maintenance

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Scientific software

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience

Tools

Laboratory instruments

Job description

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

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 a neuroscience laboratory at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School studying developmental mechanisms that underlie generation of functionally diverse neurons in the mouse auditory system. To that end, we utilize a range of approaches, including advanced microscopy, single-cell genomics, molecular genetics, and machine learning. More information on our research program can be found at https://shrestha.meei.harvard.edu

Job Description

1. handling live mice to set up crosses, wean litters, collect tissue biopsies for genotyping, and inject various drugs
2. extracting, dissecting, processing and sectioning cochlear and brain tissues from euthanized mice
3. detecting mRNA and proteins of interest by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
4. preparing buffers and reagents for molecular biology
5. performing gel electrophoresis
6. acquiring images using epifluorescence and confocal microscopy
7. assisting in general laboratory maintenance, including setting up of equipment, and organizing reagents and supplies.

In addition, opportunities will be available to conduct gene expression analysis using R or Python in collaborative projects. Offering a broad exposure to standard experimental and analytical approaches employed in a molecular neuroscience lab, this position is ideal for individuals seeking to pursue graduate studies in biomedical sciences or medicine.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, genetics, biology or a related discipline with at least six months of experience in a wet lab environment is required. Comfort with handling live mice and performing procedures on anesthetized or euthanized mice is required. Demonstrated abilities in relevant laboratory techniques preferred. May be required to work with hazardous materials. May occasionally be required to lift, move, and transport laboratory equipment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has excellent organizations skills, can multi-task efficiently, and loves to learn new concepts and techniques related to studies of the nervous system.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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.

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.

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.