Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

We have a full-time Research Technician I position available in the Mass General Cancer Center in the laboratory of Dr. Shannon Stott. The technician will partake in multiple NIH and DOD-funded research projects that span from cancer to COVID-19. We are looking for a highly motivated, detail oriented, bioengineer with excellent communication skills to start in May 2023. Prior experience and independence would be considered a strength. The position requires the applicant to fabricate and test microfluidic devices as well as perform experiments with bodily fluids (blood, saliva and stool) obtained from COVID positive individuals. The candidate will take responsibility in basic science and translational research projects under close supervision of post-doctoral fellows in the lab, as well as Dr. Stott.

The Stott laboratory is comprised of bioengineers and biologists focused on translating technological advances to relevant applications in clinical medicine. This specific project has a focus on bringing a technology from early development to FDA authorization as a COVID test. The individual will need to interact with a diverse group of individuals, and work at an efficient and rapid pace. The work includes the collection of data, accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. Assay processing units, technical optimization, and clinical integration will all be aspects of this work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Technician 1 is a full-time position that serves to assist Principal Investigators in a research laboratory. Principal duties are to assist in experiments for research projects under supervision of the project head and Dr. Stott. Work will include the handling of clinical samples from COVID-19 patients and as well as cancer patients. The candidate will not be working in a clinical setting or in close proximity to COVID-19 patients. All duties are outlined below: * Performing laboratory experiments utilizing standard techniques and equipment under the direction of an advisor, including

• Operating and fabricating microfluidic devices
• Converting assays to new devices for \xe2\x80\x98point of care\xe2\x80\x99 translation.
• Designing interfaces for machine operation, with some coding required
• DNA/RNA extraction
• cell culture
• Handling clinical samples for direct analyses of COVID-19 virus, and/or human tumor circulating tumor cells and extracellular vesicles. Must be comfortable with handling previously collected blood, saliva, and feces in a safe and controlled environment.
• Preparing and handling of microfluidic devices in a cleanroom environment (experience preferred but not required);
• Processing, organizing and summarizing data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms;
• Performing routine logging and testing of samples;
• Assisting in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols;
• Maintaining a thorough lab notebook of all experiments;
• Instructing other staff and students in basic laboratory techniques;
• May perform independent literature searches to help drive projects forward;
• Performing related laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies;
• Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment;

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Required:

• Ability to work as part of a team member as well as independently
• High comfort level with technology and complex interfaces
• Meticulous work habits \xe2\x80\x93 to include keeping a detailed and accurate lab notebook
• Ability to apply critical thinking to experiments and outcomes
• Appropriate communications skills required for presentation of scientific data.
• Basic programming skills (e.g. python, \xe2\x80\x98R\xe2\x80\x99, MATLAB, LabView).
• Ability to multi-task
• Working Conditions: May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.
• Commitment to supporting equity and diversity and establishing a culture of inclusion.

Other Preferred Skills (seen as a plus):

• Skilled at trouble-shooting experiments
• Molecular techniques, including PCR
• Light / fluorescence microscopy techniques and image processing
• Familiarity with cell culture, including training in sterile techniques
• Microfluidics experience or work within a cleanroom environment
• Coursework in genetics, cell/molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and/or immunology.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Education: Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in engineering, physics or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

• 0 \xe2\x80\x93 1 year research and laboratory experience are required, which could be gained as part of undergraduate education/training.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Basic research laboratory.

Massachusetts General Hospital