Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Ringel Laboratory at The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT & Harvard is inviting applications for a full-time research technician position in Cambridge, MA. We seek highly motivated and talented candidates to apply. The selected candidate will join a vibrant research community dedicated to mechanistic studies of immunity in tumors and other disease states. We seek to identify molecular pathways that enable T cells to function during stress and may be targeted to improve human health. The ideal candidate values a scientifically rigorous, positive, and collaborative environment. The hired candidate will also be an affiliate of MIT and will have access to the resources, facilities, seminars, and research environment there. The Ragon Institute is a leading research center focused on immunology and human disease. The Ragon Institute is located adjacent to the MIT campus in Cambridge and is fully integrated within the MGH, Harvard, and MIT research communities. This is an excellent opportunity for a new college graduate to gain hands-on research experience and grow under the mentorship of the PI, Dr. Alison Ringel. As part of our team, you will design and perform scientific experiments, support ongoing research efforts in the laboratory, and assist in publishing manuscripts. We are looking for a candidate who can make a minimum commitment of 2 years and is excited about training and working in a top-notch scientific community.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position.

• Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. \xe2\x80\x93 pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
• Maintains laboratory notebook
• Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
• Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
• Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
• Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment
• May perform independent literature searches
• Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
• Maintains and orders supplies

A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also:

• Execute protocols of non-routine experiments
• Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology
• Perform basic design and modification of protocols
• Calculate, transcribe and analyze data
• Prepare and present reports
• Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.
• Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation.
• Participate in the design of experiments or field work.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently

The Research Technician II should also possess:

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Working knowledge of data management programs
• Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

• New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above.
• Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

• A Research Technician II may serve as a team leader to lab assistants and Research Technician I\xe2\x80\x99s.

Massachusetts General Hospital