Research Lab Tech

Title:

Technical Research Assistant I

Location:

20 Shattuck Street, Boston (Thorn Research Building)

Base Salary: $40,000 - $58,000 per year (hourly rate $20.16 - $29.01) - grade 5

Job Summary:

The Technical Research Assistant I will conduct research on epithelial barrier regulation, tight junction biology, and mucosal immune mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant will perform experiments designed in collaboration with the PI and other lab members, with the degree of independence determined by experience and skill. In addition, the Research Assistant will support laboratory operations for both in vitro and in vivo projects.

• Design and execute a defined research project on epithelial barrier function, tight junction regulation, or mucosal immune responses using cell culture models and/or mouse models.
• Collaborate with the PI to plan experiments, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and analyze data.
• Prepare figures and contribute to presentations and manuscript preparation.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings and actively participate in scientific discussions.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, MDCK, T84) and/or primary intestinal epithelial stem cells, including transwell culture, barrier function assays, routine passage, quality control, and cell banking.
• Execute established techniques such as transwell barrier assays, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, qPCR, and mouse-based techniques for tissue collection, processing, histologic and immunofluorescence analysis, and functional assays.
• Assist with mouse colony management: routine husbandry, genotyping, breeding support, and record-keeping.
• Maintain laboratory reagents, equipment, and shared resources, and help train new laboratory members.
• Document all experimental work in detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic systems and contribute to databases of mice, cell lines, reagents, and other materials.
• Develop new experimental methods and protocols as needed.
• Actively participate in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and collaborative projects.
• Read and synthesize relevant literature to inform projects and stay current with the field.
• Assist with preparation of figures, data summaries, and methods sections for manuscripts.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field. Post-baccalaureate research experience is preferred.
• Experience: Demonstrated ability to work semi-independently on research tasks; bench research experience required. Preferred: mammalian cell culture, epithelial cell lines/transwell systems, mouse models, and mouse handling/genotyping.
• Technical skills: Adequate mammalian cell culture techniques, transwell barrier assays, PCR/qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, basic flow cytometry. Familiarity with Graph Pad Prism; knowledge of R or Python is a plus.
• Computer proficiency: Comfortable using scientific software, databases, and document creation tools.
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Good scientific reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and able to balance multiple responsibilities.

2200 The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Inc. 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.