Research Laboratory Technician - Neuroscience Laboratory

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

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.

Summary

Job Summary

Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data.

Candidates who are in the process of completing their bachelor's degree have a grace period of six months from their hire date (up to 1 year if starting per diem) to provide degree equivalency verification.

Does this position require Patient Care? No

Essential Functions

• Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
• Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
• Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
• Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?

Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Experience

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

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• 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.

Position Summary

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The research lab technician will provide critical support for ongoing projects in a neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of Professor Daniel Polley PhD, Director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Kameron Clayton PhD, and Anna Chambers PhD. Ongoing projects seek to understand how adult brain plasticity is both a source and solution for common hearing disorders.

We have received several large multi-year research grants to investigate this concept in a series of complementary research studies: 1) to understand how the deaf adult brain rapidly reorganizes to support hearing after cochlear gene therapy; 2) to understand how plasticity can be engaged and harnessed to dampen neural hyperactivity and restore normal sound perception after noise-induced hearing loss; 3) to understand how noise-induced hearing loss changes neural circuits that regulate sleep and arousal states.

These research projects rely on a combination of cutting-edge anatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral experimental approaches in mice. The research lab technician will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Clayton, Dr. Chambers, and Dr. Polley to accelerate the pace of ongoing projects. The research lab technician will learn new concepts in neuroscience, otolaryngology, and data analysis.

This opportunity is ideally suited to recent college graduates with a degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field who are considering an advanced degree in science or medicine. Applicants able to commit to the position for two years are especially encouraged to apply.

As detailed on the lab website (https://polleylab.meei.harvard.edu/), recent postbaccalaureate research assistants have coauthored primary research papers and gone on to enroll in leading medical schools and neuroscience graduate programs upon completion of their two-year commitment to the lab.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a large basic research center embedded in an active clinical setting that will provide career development opportunities for individuals with an interest in science and medicine. We are planning to hire two research technicians for these projects; hence we are posting two identical job descriptions. Applicants need only apply to one job posting to be considered for both.

Essential Functions

• May be asked to support acquisition of in vivo measurements of brain activity via 2-photon or fiber-based calcium imaging.
• May be asked to support acquisition of in vivo electrophysiological recordings.
• May be asked to assist in histological processing of brain tissue, obtain high-resolution images with confocal or epifluorescence microscopes, and quantify fluorescent protein expression with software analysis packages.
• May be asked to assist in surgery and the care of animals.
• May be asked to support behavioral testing and analysis of behavioral data.
• May be asked to support husbandry and genotyping of the mouse colony.
• May be asked to support data analysis using custom scripts written in MATLAB.
• May be asked to present project updates during scheduled lab meetings.
• May be asked to support lab operations by ordering supplies and communicating with vendors.
• May have the chance to attend and present during educational programs, seminars, and/or conferences.
• May be asked to perform other laboratory-related functions as required or directed.

Education And Experience

Work requires a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The position requires the ability to understand and carry out instructions presented in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; use Microsoft Windows and other computer systems for data access and reporting; report hours worked through the semiautomated timekeeping system; address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations; communicate with laboratory members in English through informal conversations and digital platforms; and speak effectively before groups of employees in English.

Working Conditions

Job will require performance of tasks that involve exposure to laboratory mice.

Physical Requirements

Requires clear vision at 20 inches or less and depth perception. Work requires some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires steady hands and fine motor coordination.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$21.00 - $29.01/Hourly

Grade

5

At 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

5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary 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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At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success.

These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.