Research Technician I - Center for Genomic Medicine

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our missionfrom doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.

At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.

Job Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Kleinstiver Laboratory (www.kleinstiverlab.org) in the Center for Genomic Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is seeking motivated and enthusiastic candidates to join our team. Our research group develops, engineers, optimizes, and applies CRISPR genome editing technologies for biomedical research and to treat human diseases. We utilize protein engineering methods to impart desirable properties into various CRISPR-Cas enzymes (e.g. Cas9, Cas12, etc.), base editors, prime editors, click editors, various editors capable of large sequence edits (e.g. CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs), transposons, recombinases, etc.) and other novel non-CRISPR editing platforms. Examples of key properties of these genome editing tools that seek to optimize include their efficiency (on-target activity), safety (reducing off-target activity), utility (targeting range / ability to access the genome), size (to enable delivery applications), precision (their edit outcome, etc.), and many other characteristics. Optimized proteins are developed via protein engineering, directed evolution, bacteria or human cell-based selections, structure-guided engineering, and machine learning. We then translate these optimized reagents into pre-clinical models and primary cell types to explore their potential to correct disease-causing mutations. The candidate will play an integral role in projects related to genome editing technology development, protein engineering method development, optimization of new tools and applications thereof. Candidates should have an interest in genome engineering, CRISPR-Cas enzymes, protein engineering, molecular evolution, generating cellular models, the development of novel therapeutics, and other related areas.

Under the direction of Dr. Kleinstiver and other lab members, the candidate for the Research Technician I position will become proficient in the following duties (examples, but not limited to): routine molecular biology (PCR, recombinant DNA cloning, bacterial transformations, etc.), biochemical techniques, mammalian cell culture, assessment of genome editing technologies in bacteria and mammalian cells, DNA sequencing (Sanger and NGS), designing and executing experiments, analyzing and visualizing data, assisting with routine laboratory tasks (organizing, ordering, stocking, etc.), preparing reagents and solutions, developing and optimizing genome editing assays, recording experimental details and results in an electronic notebook, time management, communication skills, and presenting summaries of work or scientific papers in lab meeting and journal club, respectively.

Interested candidates should include the following materials with their application:
1.a CV detailing scientific experience, technical skills, publications, presentations, examples of mentorship, etc.
2.a description of the candidates research interests, examples of organizational skills, any knowledge or knowhow of genome editing technologies (not required for the position), and career aspirations.
3.contact information for three (3) references, including a description of the referees familiarity with the candidate.

Qualifications

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
• Maintains laboratory notebook
• Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
• Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
• Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
• Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment
• May perform independent literature searches
• Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
• Maintains and orders supplies

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently

EDUCATION:

Bachelors degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

N/A

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

185 Cambridge Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

The General Hospital Corporation is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership looks like by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.