Research Technologist

The Center for Computational and Integrative Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital is an affiliation of faculty who apply interdisciplinary approaches and new technologies to answer enduring biological questions and provide insights into human disease. Novel chemical, genomics and computational tools are developed to probe signaling pathways, identify mediators of host-microbe interactions, and design therapeutic disease interventions. Center investigators also conduct translational research to explore the potential utility of early-stage drug candidates in phase 1 studies carried out in small populations of individuals with the target disease indication.

The Research Technologist works under the direction of the PI, Scientists, and Research Laboratory Manager to carry out a broad range of technical activities and procedures to support experiments and research within the Therapeutics Program. The work has a large in vivo component including the dosing and breeding of mice. The incumbent will evaluate procedural results and use considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results.

Will apply experience in mouse tumor pathology, development, and propagation. Will function well as a team member across different teams.

• Collaborate with laboratory leaders on the maintenance and development of the mouse colony.




• Maintain rodent (mouse) colony to include setting up mating pairs, weaning, ear notching and genotyping.
• Maintain novel mouse lines appropriate for testing therapeutic agents through breeding and genotyping/phenotyping.
• Generate mouse models via survival surgery and other methods.
• Test various combinations of therapeutic agents in vivo using appropriate mouse models and routes of administration, including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and intravenous.
• Perform rodent survival surgery, including minor, major, and multiple surgical procedures (per IACUC designation). Conduct pre-operative and post-operative clinical observation, care, and administration of anesthesia and analgesia.
• Collect and analyze blood and tissue samples from experimental mice, including in vivo blood collection (tail vein) and postmortem blood and tissue collection.
• Analyze and record PCR, qPCR, and flow cytometry results.
• Identify and communicate any issues in animal health and welfare to investigators or manager.
• Learn and perform new procedures to support and advance the colony.
• May develop modifications of existing assay techniques, experimental protocols, or new procedures to support the mouse colony.
• Contribute regularly to in-laboratory veterinary monitoring and care of the animals as per schedule inclusive of weekend or off shift hours; monitor mice daily to ensure behavior, vitals are in line; provide care and administer medication as needed.




• Coordinate and schedule all experimental mouse procedures.




• Maintain mouse colony records via a digital data base.
• Monitor, inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Review small animal (rodent) protocols and suggest edits as needed by the dynamic nature of the scientific work.
• Perform and maintain work within regulatory compliance.
• In collaboration with lab leaders, promotes mouse regulatory compliance with the team, including to share standards and identify needs; utilize communication with and the training of the research team to support regulatory compliance.
• Orient and train research technicians and others on colony technical and documentation procedures.

• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

EDUCATION:

* BA/BS Required in animal science, biology or related field.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in small animal/rodent husbandry, surgery, clinical care and compliance within a research setting. Able to execute various skills and techniques including to draw blood and provide injections. Able to provide life-saving measures as well as conduct euthanasia when needed.
• Properly uses and troubleshoots laboratory and surgical equipment.
• Able to understand, follow research protocols and to identify and communicate any deviations to investigators.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform survival surgery inclusive of knowledge of aseptic technique, pre-operative and post-operative care and administration of anesthesia and analgesia.
• Able to administer agents to experimental mice via subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and intravenous injections.
• Proficient at basic bench work techniques. Knowledge of flow cytometry and PCR procedures.
• Appropriately wears personal protective equipment.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively schedule and complete assigned work.
• Strong attention to detail.
• High level of communication skills both verbally and in writing. Able to effectively communicate technical information in the orienting and training of others. Able to properly document procedures, results and other information.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintains professional demeanor, is flexible and contributes a creative attitude regarding the completion of scientific goals.
• Computer skills including to maintain digital records in a database.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

* Any level of AALAS certification is preferred.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.