Research Lab Technician II BWH Rheumatology

This position is in the laboratory of Ellen Gravallese, MD, Chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity. Our group is studying inflammation and osteoimmunology in the context of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis. In addition, we study innate immune mechanisms of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. We utilize animal models of disease, human tissue samples, and in vitro experiments to study the pathways by which inflammation is mediated and also by which bone homeostasis is disrupted in disease states.

We are looking for a motivated and organized individual with hands-on experience working in the laboratory. The person filling this position will work closely with senior members of the lab, supporting them in various aspects of their ongoing research projects. In addition, it would be ideal if this candidate could also assist in our animal facility. The ideal candidate will have experience performing ELISAs, Westerns, primary cell culture, qPCR and histology. Experience in animal husbandry, genotyping (PCR), dissection and tissue harvesting, and organization of the animal database is also desirable, but not required. Finally, experience with analysis of bulk and single cell RNA sequencing data and the use of R would be an advantage.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Bench work

• Carries out the following:

• RT-PCR/qPCR

• ELISA

• Primary cell culture

• RNA extraction

• Westerns

• Microscopy

• FACs analysis

• Sample preparation for RNA sequencing

• Histological techniques: Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence

• Responsible for the continual maintenance of the laboratory.

• Contributes to scientific literature.

• Attends regular meetings of the Principal Investigators to discuss improvements on the general operation of the laboratory and acts upon decisions made.

• Has working knowledge of databases/spreadsheets software (Microsoft Office)

• Responsible for maintenance of mouse colony, including weaning, ear tagging, genotyping by PCR, setting up breeding and record keeping.

Additional Duties/Skills/Competencies

• Keeping an up-to-date laboratory notebook

• Responsible for maintaining lab space, equipment, and supplies

• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and to teach others as needed

• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing

• Good organizational skills

• Ability to work closely with the research team

• Self-motivated and capable of trouble shooting and creative problem solving

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required (suitable field preferred).

• Minimum of 1 year experience working in a laboratory.

• Relevant biology course work is preferred.

• Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills as required to work closely with a research team.

• Demonstrated competence with databases/spreadsheets and software packages.