Technical Research Asst II - MRA

Tissue Coordinator – Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC)

Site:
The McLean Hospital Corporation Mass General Brigham. We support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, aiming to provide exceptional care. We invite applicants to join our high‑performing teams to advance medical discoveries.

Job Summary:

The Tissue Coordinator works at the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC), part of the NIH Neuro Bio Bank , a centralized resource for human brain specimens. The position involves brain dissections, sample preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, data reporting, visiting coordination, off‑hour donation coordination, SOP updates, and other related duties.

• Experience with histology, neuropathology and neuroanatomy strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; attention to detail in data entry.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; teamwork oriented.
• Basic understanding of HIPAA regulations, patient confidentiality, IT security, and integrity to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience in a medical environment, knowledge of clinical terms related to psychiatry, neurology, pharmacology, and clinical records strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated consistency with McLean values: integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, teamwork, excellence, and innovation.

Job Summary:

The research assistant works independently under general supervision on behavioral pharmacology and molecular genetic methods in laboratory rodents. Responsibilities include mastering protocols, modifying techniques, data analysis, training new staff, and supervising a small lab when needed.

• Independently perform stereotactic rodent surgery and rodent transcardial perfusions.
• Perform rodent behavioral assays (ICSS, IVSA, place conditioning) and related rodent handling/monitoring.
• Conduct routine and non‑routine experiments (ELISA, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, qRT‑PCR, histological examination).
• Calculate, transcribe, and analyze data using Microsoft Excel and Graph Pad Prism.
• Assist other lab members with experiments and serve as a contributing team member.
• Perform literature searches and help prepare presentations and written articles for publication.
• Collaborate with senior members to establish new or modify existing research techniques.
• Continuously learn and strive for independence in daily work.

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Experience in lieu of a degree is not accepted.
• Minimum 1–2 years experience in a directly related research setting.
• Positive work ethic, good time management, sound analytical and organizational skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills; ability to structure tasks and set priorities.
• Problem identification and troubleshooting abilities.
• Comfortable with handling rodents for behavioral studies.

• Standing 34–66% of the time;
  Walking 34–66%;
  Sittin…