Sr. Research Technologist
Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)

Job Info

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General Summary:

The Chao Lab seeks a Senior Research Technologist to join our efforts to understand macromolecular assemblies regulating membrane ultrastructure. Our lab uses structural biology (cryo-EM, cryo-ET, X-ray crystallography) and biophysical methods (TIRF microscopy, synthetic membrane systems) to visualize and understand membrane protein assemblies which regulate the shape of mitochondria, bacteria and highly specialized cells like photoreceptors. See chaolab.org for details.

This is full-time position that will assist the Principal Investigator and his staff in a research laboratory. Under the instruction and direction of the PI, primary responsibilities include management of a T12 electron microscope (with associated equipment) and basic management of computer workstations. Protected time will be allotted for independent projects and collaborations. Ample opportunities are available to interface with local electron microscope facilities (at Harvard Medical School, M.I.T., and UMass Medical School available).

Other duties include supporting the diverse research projects of the group through collection of and accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases and protocols used in the lab, and ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments. Ample opportunities available for collaborating with the Principal Investigator in writing material for publication which may lead to authorship on future publications.

Principal Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Supervises operations of the lab.
• Manages specialized microscopy equipment (including sample preparation equipment, T12 electron microscope (with associated equipment).
• Supervises basic management of Linux workstations and servers for structural biology computational work (including upgrades, data management, workload distribution).
• Directs and supervises training of new lab employees and investigators in laboratory procedures, trains new users in proper instrument use and upkeep.
• Prepares reagents for use by members of the laboratory and participates in generating results from studies for presentation and publication.
• Monitors compliance with laboratory safety practice.
• Manages the MTA process for the lab ensuring all material which are requested in or out of the lab are reviewed and approved via the MTA review process; this person completes, submits and monitors the application process following through until materials are approved in or out of the lab.
• Acts as Chemical Safety Officer for the lab.
• Coordinates user work schedules for shared equipment, coordinates preventative maintenance and service work.
• Directs technical activities of the laboratory.
• Contributes ideas and suggestions for improvements in experimental protocols and techniques. Creates new protocols as needed.
• Participates in the development and investigation of new procedures, assays, and/or instrumentation (especial novel sample preparation methods).
• Writes and updates laboratory protocols and safety guidelines. Participates in the preparation of data for presentation and publication.
• Record Keeping Responsibilities: Teaches new employees how to use computerized records and database systems. Manages protocols and databases for the lab.
• Oversees inventory and supervises distribution of plasmids and antibodies to investigatory in and outside of the lab. Helps monitors and replenish inventory, when needed.

Qualifications
Skills & Abilities required:

• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Excellent judgment and ability to interpret information and protocol requirements
• Ability to work in both team-effort situations and independently
• Ability effectively supervise and mentor others
• Ability of organize work schedules for self and others
• Excellent organizational skills to formulate and complete vigorous timetables and meet the grant's complex financial restrictions
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Dependability and excellent work habits
• Multitasking abilities essential
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing and challenging environment
• Excellent personal computer and database skills
• Must be reliable and pay attention to details
• Meticulous in record keeping
• Duties will be performed in a research laboratory. No direct patient contact will occur or be expected.
• Work will be conducted over a forty-hour work week, but actual schedule can change depending on the requirements for the lab. This position may require occasional work on weekends.

Education and Experience Required:

BS/BA required in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related field. (Ph.D. preferred, but not required).

Minimum of 5 years of experience required working in laboratory environment either in the biotech industry or an academic institution.

Competence and familiarity with electron microscope good operating practices and upkeep.

High degree of literacy in Linux, contemporary structural biology programs, workflows and their implementation on workstations.

Supervisory Responsbility:

Helps to train lab members the relative laboratory protocols needed to perform their jobs; ensures lab members space and areas are set up for working appropriately.

Supervises Laboratory Assistants, Technicians and Technologists.

Fiscal Responsbility:

Monitors all ordering for the lab while keeping on par with the budget given for each funding mechanism and FTE in the department. Reports to the PI or DA the expenses on any given month requested.

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

This job has expired.