Research Lab Technician I​/II - Microbiome

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The General Hospital Corporation

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.

Job Summary

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

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

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.

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.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The Xavier Lab is seeking a Research Technician to contribute to studies of the gut microbiome and its role in human health and disease. Current projects investigate the ecological and functional properties of intestinal microbial communities, mechanisms governing host-microbe interactions, and the development of experimental approaches to understand how commensal bacteria influence inflammation, metabolism, and colonization resistance.

Recent work from the lab has linked gut microbial metabolism to cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk in the Framingham Heart Study (PMID: ), revealed how microbiota-driven immune responses shape intestinal biology (PMID: ), and identified microbial communities that suppress pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae colonization (PMID: ). These studies combine microbial cultivation, genomics, and host biology to understand mechanisms underlying human disease.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in hands-on microbiology and microbiome research, particularly the cultivation and characterization of anaerobic gut bacteria. The candidate should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of troubleshooting experimental challenges independently. This position provides training in microbiology, microbial ecology, anaerobic culturing, next-generation sequencing, and host-microbe interaction research. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute intellectually to projects, present findings at lab meetings, and participate in manuscript preparation.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

185 Cambridge Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$ - $29.01/Hourly

Grade

5

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