Research Technician
Mass General Brigham
- Charlestown, MA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Operating of the imaging systems will be taught, while previous experience with optical microscopy is preferred.
- Incumbent must:
- handle brain tissue and tissue imaging solutions
- work both independently and as a team in optical lab, operating built-in-house OCT and multi-photon microscope, performing data collection
- conduct routine post processing and data analysis
- learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time; follow procedures carefully
- work evenings and weekends to perform some of the experiments, including being on call during designated weekends to respond to technical problems
- have a sound degree of computer literacy (for imaging and data processing)
- knowledge of MATLAB is preferred (for data processing)
- Computation and visualization tools such as Freesurfer will be taught.
- Conduct routine data processing for each image modality
- Conduct image registration between ex vivo MRI, OCT, multi-photon microscopy, and histological images
- Incumbent must:
- have a sound degree of computer literacy
- have some knowledge of scripting using C, C++, or any other code
- Incumbent must:
- have a sound degree of computer literacy
- have some knowledge of hardware control programs
- have some knowledge of MATLAB, C, C++, or any other code
- General wet lab knowledge is required for this project
- We conduct histological experiments on exvivo human brain tissue which involves:
- sectioning
- tissue/slide mounting
- staining using histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques
- acquisition and intake of brain specimens
- maintaining laboratory solutions, supplies, and equipment in a biological lab Other potential projects (and their qualifications):
- Knowledge of neuroanatomy is necessary
- Incumbent must:
- be able to stay motivated during tedious/repetitive tasks
- have an interest in brain anatomy
- be detail-oriented, focused, and organized
- Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
- Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
- Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
- Prepares lab chemicals, tissue, and equipment
- Maintains laboratory notebook
- May perform independent literature searches
- Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
- Maintains and orders supplies
- Participate in the design of experiments
- Execute protocols of non-routine and exploratory experiments
- Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology
- Perform modification of imaging platforms and protocols
- Calculate, transcribe and analyze data
- Prepare and present reports
- Organize imaging schedules
- Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.
- Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation.
- Organize group meeting
- Some engineering background and/or hands on experience in biological, physical, or chemical labs is required.
- A sound degree of computer literacy & willingness to advance computational skills independently (for working in UNIX environment and data processing in MATLAB)
- Elements of project management will be required to stay on top of the many projects the lab has running in parallel
- Candidate must be able to learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time and carry out procedures meticulously, taking action to prevent mistakes
- Candidate should not easily be discouraged by failed experiments but enjoy the challenge
- Ability to work independently and improve the quality and efficiency of their own work
- Ability to coordinate and cooperate with colleagues for sophisticated tasks
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to perform multiple tasks independently, manage their time well and adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to work well on a team and enlist others’ support in achieving objectives
- Experience with operating optical microscopy, data collection, and/or analysis
- Experience in wet lab
- Programming and/or shell scripting knowledge
- Knowledge of hardware control program
- Knowledge of CAD software
- Knowledge of UNIX
- Knowledge of neuroanatomy
- Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
- Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
- Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above.
- Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position.
- A Research Technician II may serve as a team leader to lab assistants and Research Technician I’s.