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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
The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases is seeking to hire a highly qualified and motivated Technical Research Assistant I (TRAI) to investigate the role of the microbiome and the immune system in models of neurologic disease. Working in lab of Laura Cox, the TRAI will execute protocols involving a variety of routine and non-routine experiments at a professional level, including but not exclusively involving administering treatments to animal models of neurologic disease, characterizing behavior and pathology in animal models, performing flow cytometry, ELISAs, DNA extraction, PCR, and culturing bacteria. The Technical Research Assistant will records test results in an orderly fashion and maintains accurate laboratory notes as well as maintain laboratory supplies.

An ideal candidate will have some experience with laboratory procedures and working with mice. In addition, training will be provided on the job for specific procedures. The position is responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data.

Along with your CV, candidates should include a cover letter that describes your research experience, your ability to work in a collaborative environment, and your motivation for applying for this position. Seeking candidates that can commit to the position for two years.


Does this position require Patient Care?
No

Essential Functions
-As directed, administers bacteria or immunomodulatory agents to animal models of neurologic diseases. Will be required to handle mice including treatment administration (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections) and behavioral tests.
-Learn to operate Flow Cytometry machinery.
-Perform routine immunology techniques such as ELISA, western blot and basic procedures on laboratory animals; and molecular biology techniques like RNA purification, DNA purification and cloning.
-Maintain mouse colonies and to keep record of mouse strains and breeding.
-Culture bacteria from the microbiome and maintains stocks.
-Performs routine molecular experiments, including DNA extraction, and 16S rRNA amplicon library preparation.
-Processes and freezes biologic specimens (blood, saliva, urine, and stool) from patients collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of patients with multiple sclerosis. Aliquoting and freezing of stool samples.
-Maintains and orders supplies when needed. Assists with cleaning, and maintaining the laboratory area in a neat and orderly condition.
-Maintains laboratory notebook of daily activities including all experiments and procedures.
-Orders laboratory reagents and supplies. Maintaining equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner.
-Conducts literature searches and review, compiling information from journals and suggesting uses of new techniques of research and laboratory techniques, consulting with other researchers and techniques to exchange information.
-Attends courses in safety procedures for the handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances, ensuring that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with such procedures.
-Performs laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
-Prepares and handles samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
-Operates and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
-Records experimental data accurately and maintains organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
-Compiles and analyzes data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
-Assists in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.
-Performs other duties as assigned or as position requires.

Qualifications

Education
BS in a biological/physical science with hands-on experience in any biology field required. Should have previous experience of working in a research lab and familiarity with basic laboratory instruments, equipment, and scientific procedures. Must have at least one-year experience in a setting directly related to research


Experience
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

-Must have a sound understanding of laboratory practices and procedures, usually acquired through one to three months on the job training.

-Ability to manage work processes in a neat and orderly way, to follow instructions, and to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.

-Ability to multi-task and prioritize work with attention to detail and punctuality.

-On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessary.

-Must have good manual dexterity and be able to carry items weighing up to 30 lbs.

-Good organizational and record keeping skills, detail oriented.

-Good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.

-Ability to demonstrate professionalism.

-Sound degree of computer literacy.

-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)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

60 Fenwood Road

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$ - $29.01/Hourly

Grade

5At 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. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement:

2200 The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. 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.

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