Research Lab Tech in Boston, Massachusetts

Technical Research Assistant I

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals 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:

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. The degree of independence will be determined based on knowledge, technical ability, and understanding of the specific project.

While performing research, the Research Assistant will also support aspects of laboratory operations.

Responsibilities:

• Drive a defined research project investigating epithelial barrier function, tight junction regulation, or mucosal immune responses using cell culture models and/or mouse models.
• Design and perform experiments in collaboration with the PI.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges with input from PI and other laboratory personnel.
• Analyze and interpret data; prepare figures and contribute to presentations and manuscripts.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings and participate actively in scientific discussions.
• Perform experiments and provide technical support for ongoing laboratory projects, including work with other lab members.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and/or primary intestinal epithelial stem cells, including transwell culture systems and barrier function assays, routine passage, quality control, and cell banking.
• Execute established techniques including transwell barrier assays, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and qPCR.
• Execute mouse-based techniques as needed, including tissue collection, processing, histologic and immunofluorescence analysis, and functional assays.
• Assist with mouse colony management, including routine husbandry, genotyping, breeding support, and record-keeping.
• Maintain laboratory reagents, equipment, and shared resources in good working order.
• Help train new laboratory members.
• Maintain detailed, high-quality documentation of all experimental work in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Contribute to maintenance of databases of mice, cell lines, reagents, and other materials.
• Learn and help implement new experimental methods and protocols.
• Participate actively in laboratory meetings and journal clubs, developing critical thinking and scientific communication skills.
• Read relevant scientific literature to inform your project and stay current with the field.
• Work collaboratively with other lab members.
• Assist with preparation of figures, data summaries, and methods sections for manuscripts.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

Demonstrated ability to work semi-independently on research tasks required. Mammalian cell culture experience preferred. Epithelial cell lines and/or transwell culture systems preferred. Experience with mouse models preferred.

Experimental Responsibilities:
Mammalian cell culture skills including aseptic technique, routine maintenance, and quality control. Experience with transwell culture systems and barrier function assays (TEER, permeability) highly desirable. Molecular techniques (PCR/qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, flow cytometry basics). Mouse handling, genotyping, and basic in vivo procedures (or strong willingness to learn). Data analysis and visualization (Graph Pad Prism, basic statistical analysis; familiarity with R or Python a plus).

Ability to follow complex protocols accurately and troubleshoot technical problems. Good computer literacy and ability to learn new software and database systems. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities and adjust priorities as needed.

Professional

Skills:

Growing independence in experimental planning and execution with appropriate guidance. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in documentation. Good scientific reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Self-motivated with intellectual curiosity about the research. Ability to take initiative within defined project scope while knowing when to seek guidance.

Pay Range: $21 - $29.01/Hourly

EEO Statement: 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,…