We are currently seeking a Research Technician I to support the laboratory of Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Bhatia Lab works at the interface of living and synthetic systems, and leverage micro- and nanotechnology tools to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for applications in cancer, infections, and liver diseases. More information can be found on their website
This role plays an integral part in the function of the lab – Research Technicians are welcomed into the team-oriented and collaborative space. Research Technicians are viewed as central assets to the laboratory community, and provide invaluable service assistance to all team members, under the direct supervision of a senior research trainee. Technicians typically evolve with experience and mentorship to play an active role in the design of the experiments that they conduct, and can grow to participate in both internal and external communication of their findings. Ideal candidates will be highly focused on working in a team environment, and have a passion for continuous improvement.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members with experiments related to the use of various experimental platforms, tool development, and the engineering of tissue microenvironments in order to study liver biology and/or cancer detection and treatment
- Use of a wide variety of techniques in mammalian cell culture, biology (RT-qPCR, Western blotting), microscopy, nanotechnology, animal husbandry, and the processing of animal tissues
- Assist with and perform data analysis for related experimental data, and assist with the presentation of data to the larger lab
- Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area
- Assist with other support duties relating to lab operations as required – such as stocking supplies, cleaning glassware, making common reagents, etc.
Additional Responsibilities May Include:
- Assist with gathering and placing lab orders, assisting in management of lab stocks and inventory
- Assist with equipment management and maintenance
- Serve as liaison for lab safety protocols and assist with communication to HHMI and other host institution departments (including the Safety Office, HR, etc)
- Help with lab organization and other support duties relating to lab management, as required
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline (or equivalent education and experience)
- Prior experience working in a research lab working with mouse models, primary cells, or mammalian cell lines
- Specific experience with mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, and animal husbandry are strongly preferred
- Alternatively, candidates with experience in nanotechnology methods including particle characterization, peptide synthesis, and molecular biology assays are also encouraged to apply
- Self-motivated and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member while engaged in collaborative studies
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to follow instruction with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be
- mentored
- Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
