Research Technologist

At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission-from 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

The Translational Research Technologist in this position will carry out research on two major clinical problems: 1) the further development of a first effective therapy for a devastating thrombotic microangiopathy known as the childhood hemolytic uremic syndrome (eHUS), and 2) the study of von Willebrand Disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Work for 2) encompasses laboratory microfluidics and biochemistry combined with clinical bleeding assessments and the obtaining of informed consent for research trials. We are presently examining the little understood role of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) pro-peptide in bleeding and clotting, and the function of VWF as an anti-angiogenic factor that, when deficient, may lead to unregulated angiogenesis and increased bleeding from fragile blood vessels in mucous membranes. Work for 1) involves the pursuit of novel therapeutic targets for eHUS by means of a genetically modified mouse model and an all-human endothelial cell culture model. The laboratory utilizes cell cultures of human endothelial cells, ELISAs for clotting factor activities, controlled hemodynamics of blood flow, fluorescence digital video-microscopy, real-time digital image processing (e.g., antigen co-localization) using a state-of-the-art imaging system, an ex vivo flow chamber to simulate flow in arteries, human arterioles, and MetaMorph Premier digital imaging software. This is a great opportunity for either a pre-medical student interested in translational research, or for a young investigator who seeks a medical research career. The lab director is a senior pediatric hematologist and an experienced scientist. Also overseeing the translational work is a senior medical hematologist. An applicant for this position should have a background in biology, chemistry, or related other medical science.

Qualifications

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain endothelial cell cultures.
• Study tissue sections from a unique, genetically modified mouse model.
• Complete assignments from the laboratory director and other lab personnel in research projects.
• Perform ELISAs for complement and tissue factor activity.
• Perform digital image analysis of platelet-endothelial cell interactions in flowing blood as well as with fixed sections of organ tissue.
• Collect and accurately record procedures and results,
• Maintain databases used in the lab,
• Order and manage the use of necessary reagents.
• Participate in and present data at weekly lab meetings and journal clubs.
• Analyze results and begin interpretation of these results.
• Participate in general oversight of the lab.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Experience with sterile cell culture techniques and with current approaches used in basic molecular biology and biochemistry is helpful.
• Knowledge of convective diffusion and principles of digital image analysis is helpful.
• Ability to build upon present knowledge bases.
• Desire to learn new, state-of-the-art imaging techniques.
• Desire to learn basic and novel research approaches.
• Able to work as part of a team, but also independently when necessary.
• Ability to follow instructions, work accurately, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Power point, and statistical software is desirable.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology or chemistry) or a related discipline such as biomedical engineering. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is welcomed.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience as attained during college courses and summer jobs, with some prior lab experience preferred.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs – 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision – Far Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision – Near Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

32 Fruit Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. 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.

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