Research Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

A position is open for a full-time laboratory research technician in the Ragon Institute of MGH, Harvard and MIT. The Gaiha lab focuses on the study of adaptive immune responses to HIV and recently has made the observation that patients who successfully control HIV target structurally constrained regions of the viral proteome. We are now translating these findings into a broad T cell-based vaccine for HIV. We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine or science. The candidate will work closely with post-doctoral fellows in the generation of adenoviral and nucleic acid vaccine candidates, which will include molecular biology, expression and purification. The candidate will also be responsible for the assessment of immune responses following vaccination. This will collectively include preparing and perform laboratory experiments, collection and accurate recording of results, analyzing data and assisting with manuscript preparation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position.

• 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

A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also:

• Execute protocols of non-routine experiments

• Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology

• Perform basic design and modification of protocols

• Calculate, transcribe and analyze data

• Prepare and present reports

• 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.

• Participate in the design of experiments or field work.

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

The Research Technician II should also possess:

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems

• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results

• Working knowledge of data management programs

• Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's 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.

• Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

• A Research Technician II may serve as a team leader to lab assistants and Research Technician I's.