Technical Assistant I - Weissman Lab (Relocation Assistance Available)

Whitehead-Institute-For-Biomedical-Research-; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Technician to collaborate on large-scale in vivo genetic screens combining pooled CRISPR perturbations with single-cell and spatial readouts. You will manage rodent colonies, perform injections, and collect tissues for downstream sequencing and analysis.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work across animal handling, molecular biology, and genomics, with opportunities to advance experimental workflows and contribute to new in vivo screening

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Physiology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, or related field.
• BS with 2+ years experience or MS with 1+ year experience required for Technician II title.
• For Technician II candidates: ability to independently perform complex workflows and troubleshoot protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support large-scale in vivo genetic screening experiments in rodent models.
• Manage rodent breeding colonies and coordinate multi-cohort animal experiments.
• Perform injections and other rodent procedures to deliver genetic perturbations and treatments.
• Prepare tissues and cell suspensions for single-cell genomic experiments; assist with scRNA-seq and Perturb-seq workflows.
• Contribute to multimodal single-cell and spatial transcriptomic experiments, including MERFISH.
• Maintain detailed records linking animals, perturbations, treatments, samples, and datasets.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

BS in Biology or related field

MS with 1+ year experience or BS with 2+ years

Tools

Molecular cloning

DNA library construction

Viral vector production (AAV/lentivirus)

CRISPR/genetic screening

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Spatial transcriptomics (MERFISH)

Job description

Classification: Exempt Job Family: Technicians Reports to: HHMI Member Job Description Summary: Collaborate on research projects supporting the lab's scientific objectives, with a major focus on developing and performing large-scale in vivo genetic screens that combine pooled CRISPR-based perturbations with single-cell and spatial genomic readouts. These screens allow hundreds to thousands of genes to be perturbed and studied within individual animals, measuring how perturbations affect cells, tissues, and physiological phenotypes. The technician will perform substantial hands‑on rodent work — colony management, injections, experimental treatments, and tissue collection — alongside molecular cloning, pooled library construction, viral vector production, and genomic sample preparation. Single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo Perturb-seq, multimodal single-cell profiling, and spatial transcriptomics such as MERFISH are important readouts for these experiments. Depending on experience level, the technician may independently manage experimental workflows, optimize protocols, and contribute to the development of new in vivo screening technologies. This position is well suited for someone interested in developing broad expertise at the intersection of animal biology, functional genomics, and single-cell technologies.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Perform and support large-scale in vivo genetic screening experiments in rodent models
• Manage rodent breeding colonies (breeding, genotyping, record keeping) and coordinate longitudinal, multi-cohort animal experiments
• Perform injections and other rodent procedures to deliver genetic perturbations and treatments
• Perform tissue collection, dissection, and sample processing for downstream genomic analyses
• Perform molecular cloning and construct pooled genetic perturbation libraries
• Produce and characterize viral vectors, including AAV and lentivirus, and optimize viral delivery and other methods for genetic manipulation in vivo
• Prepare tissues and cell suspensions for single-cell genomic experiments; perform or assist with scRNA‑seq and Perturb‑seq workflows, including sample prep, library construction, and QC
• Contribute to multimodal single-cell and spatial transcriptomic experiments, including MERFISH, as appropriate for individual projects
• Perform standard molecular biology techniques including PCR, nucleic acid purification, cloning, and sequencing library preparation
• Maintain accurate records linking animals, genetic perturbations, treatments, samples, and downstream datasets; develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental workflows spanning animal work, molecular biology, and genomics
• Work closely with experimental and computational team members to design and execute large-scale screening studies; maintain detailed documentation and protocols and present progress to lab members and collaborators
• Other tasks required or assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Physiology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, or a related field. *A BS and 2+ years of experience or an MS and 1+ year of experience is required for the Technical Assistant II title. For Technician II candidates: demonstrated ability to independently perform complex experimental workflows and troubleshoot/optimize protocols Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills; careful attention to detail; ability to work independently and collaboratively; excellent communication skills

Preferred

• Hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular biology, genetics, or genomics; rodent experience strongly preferred
• Experience with rodent colony management, breeding, genotyping, injections, or tissue collection
• Experience with molecular cloning and DNA library construction
• Experience with viral vector production (AAV/lentivirus), CRISPR/genetic screening, single‑cell RNA sequencing, or spatial transcriptomics (e.g., MERFISH)
• Experience with tissue dissociation, flow cytometry, or cell sorting

Whitehead provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, and internal peer equity. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

Technical Assistant I Pay: 47,500

Technical Assistant II Pay Range: 48,000 – 56,000

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