Technical Research Assistant Laboratory for Translational Research on Neurodegeneration

Mass General Brigham; Belmont (MA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant to contribute to groundbreaking studies in Alzheimer's disease. This role involves conducting vital experiments and data analysis in a hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences and demonstrate strong skills in cell culture and molecular biology. Join a team committed to innovation and excellence in mental health services, where your contributions will help advance research and patient care in the Boston area. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization that values integrity and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences is required.
• Candidates must demonstrate sound judgment and research methodology competence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine experiments including tissue culture and molecular biology assays.
• Analyze data using basic statistics and maintain laboratory supplies.

Skills

Cell Culture Techniques

Molecular Biology

Biochemistry

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Basic Statistics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Physical Sciences

Relevant Work Experience

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

McLean Hospital is a comprehensive psychiatric hospital committed to providing easy access to superior quality, cost-effective mental health services in the Boston area, Massachusetts and beyond. Since 1811, McLean Hospital has been a world leader in the treatment of mental illness and chemical dependency, research into the cause of mental illness, and the training of generations of mental health care providers. McLean's multidisciplinary programs treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses across the full continuum of care.

We are looking for a Research Assistant (RA) to assist in studies of bioenergetics in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our work focuses on understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms in AD, especially how metabolic and bioenergetic changes during aging contribute to AD pathogenesis. We work with fibroblast cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from AD patients and healthy controls. These cells are analyzed for their molecular and cellular phenotypes and functions, emphasizing metabolism and bioenergetics.

The RA will work under the supervision of a Senior Technical Research Assistant, Manager, or Principal Investigator, with support from summer interns and junior staff, following established policies and procedures. Responsibilities include conducting routine experiments with established methodologies, data analysis using basic statistics, and literature searches under guidance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine experiments, including tissue culture, molecular biology and biochemical assays, immunocytochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, imaging, and computational data analysis.
• Maintain long-term cultures of human cell lines, monitor cell viability and contamination, differentiate stem cells, and perform gene engineering using lentivirus vectors.
• Record, summarize, and analyze data with basic statistics.
• Prepare laboratory reagents and chemicals; maintain instruments and equipment.
• Manage supplies inventory per departmental procedures.
• Discuss work progress regularly with supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

All team members are expected to demonstrate our core values: integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, teamwork, excellence, and innovation.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:

• Basic techniques in cell culture, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and execution of complex experiments.
• High computer literacy.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to record and analyze data using basic statistics.

• Ability to perform routine tests and prioritize tasks.

• Professionalism.

Candidates should possess basic computer skills to access and maintain electronic systems, complete required trainings, and use job-specific applications. All employees are assigned an email for communication. Candidates must demonstrate McLean values in their work and interactions.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences.
2. Relevant work experience.
3. Sound judgment and research methodology competence.
4. For RA II, at least one year post-degree experience required.

Additional Job Details

Remote Type: Hybrid

Work Location: 115 Mill Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Employee Type: Regular

Work Shift: Day (U.S.)

EEO Statement

The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or other protected status. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities during the application process. For accommodations, contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.