Research Technician - Biology

Boston College Introduction

Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,654 full-time undergraduates and 5,072 graduate and professional students. Ranked 37 among national universities, Boston College has 923 full-time and 1,336 FTE faculty, 2,822 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.9 billion.

Job Title: Research Technician

Department: Biology

Hourly Rate: $23.00 - $27.00. Salary commensurate with relevant experience.

Employment Type: On-site | Temporary, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

The Gonzalez-Rosa lab in the Biology Department at Boston College is seeking a research technician or associate to join our team. Our lab is interested in (1) identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, and (2) developing new genetic and transgenic strains to model complex cardiovascular phenotypes and diseases. Under direction from the PI and other researchers in the lab, the individual hired for this position will perform benchtop experiments, perform zebrafish husbandry, and assist with laboratory operations and setup in support of the lab's research programs.

The selected individual will be hired into either a technician or associate position commensurate with qualifications and past experience.

• Assist with ongoing projects in the laboratory which may involve performing the following activities: cloning, plasmid preps, PCR genotyping analysis, DNA and RNA extraction and purification, preparing samples for sequencing experiments, culturing bacteria, microscopy.
• Help maintain the zebrafish colony.
• Perform fin clipping and DNA extraction for genotyping.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance tasks, which may include:
  • Assisting with making general lab reagents such as media.
  • Ordering supplies and equipment and assisting with setup and organization.
  • Keeping an inventory of lab supplies and re-ordering supplies as necessary.
  • Coordinating equipment maintenance and repair.
• Keep a detailed and organized lab notebook.
• Maintain and organize general lab zebrafish strains and reagent databases and manage shipping requests.
• Attend laboratory meetings, present data, and participate in scientific discussions in the lab.
• Contribute to the lab's ongoing efforts to create an inclusive, safe and diverse lab culture.
• Read relevant scientific literature and conduct literature searches to enrich the research experience.
• May work with vendors to address equipment, reagent or other supply issues.
• Assist the principal investigator with some administrative duties (e.g., training undergraduates, record keeping of training, organizing interviews).

Interested applicants should apply through the Boston College careers portal. Please include a letter of motivation with a short description of your previous research and educational history and why you are specifically interested in the Gonzalez-Rosa lab and feel you would be a good fit for our group. Applicants should also provide an updated CV and names, emails and telephone numbers for 3 references.

• Willingness to learn and use new skills in the laboratory environment.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records in lab notebooks and databases.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively both with others and independently.

• B.A. or B.S. in biological sciences, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemistry or related scientific discipline (required for associate level candidates), applicants with M.S. degrees in biology or related fields are welcome to apply.
• Prior biology research lab experience strongly preferred (required for associate).
• Familiarity with molecular biology and genetics and the ability to apply this knowledge to the laboratory setting.
• Experience with common lab techniques such as cloning, histology, culturing of bacteria and working with zebrafish and other molecular techniques would be a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft or…