TECHNICAL RESEARCH ASST, SR

Affiliate Name: Brigham & Women's Hospital
Job Category: Research
Department: BWH PATHOLOGY
Hours/Week: 40
Job Type: Regular
Employment Type: Full TimeResponsibilities:
Participates in the design and execution of research involving cutting-edge techniques to investigate the biology of human melanoma. Functions independently in developing new and modifying existing, often non-routine methodologies in pursuit of the scientific goals of the laboratory and in accordance with established procedures, safety precautions and hospital policies. Calculates, organizes, analyzes, interprets and presents data to the principal investigator and at laboratory conferences. Coordinates and implements daily laboratory function including laboratory safety, budget, computerized reagent and sample inventories and storage, standardization of protocols and orientation and training of new personnel.1. Performs non-routine, highly specialized procedures. Examples of these include primary skin cell cultures, complex three-dimensional cell culture experiments to analyze growth and invasion of melanocytic cells, construction of viral vectors for gene modulation including RNAi technology, virus propagation and tittering, cloning of transfected cells, and screening/verification of expression levels in clonal populations.2. Performs a variety of molecular, biochemical, and biological assays following established methodologies to analyze biological effects of gene modulation such as cell proliferation, migration/motility and invasion, and gene expression (using RT-PCR, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blotting, Immunoprecipitation, histology, and Immunohistochemistry).3. Oversees mouse colonies and coordinates the use of mice for tumorigenicity and metastasis assays. This involves maintenance of the mouse colonies with bookkeeping and ear-tagging; setting up breeding pairs and weaning schedules; performing ELISA to phenotype the mice; performing tumor inoculations (including but not limited to i.v., i.p., and s.c. injections), euthanasia, tissue and organ dissection, and subsequent tissue block preparations as required.4. Records, organizes and analyzes data, presents daily oral and weekly written progress reports to principal investigator and presents project summaries and updates to other members of the laboratory and to members and principal investigators of collaborating laboratories.5. Performs data analyses requiring advanced knowledge of the experimental and statistical principals involved. Contributes to sections of research manuscripts and grant applications involving methods and results. Co-authors manuscripts with the principal investigator.6. Attends routine laboratory meetings/journal clubs to assist in dissemination of accurate experimental data and laboratory function issues, as well as special training sessions/workshops in order to expand knowledge base and skill set as required.7. Develops and refines new and/or existing laboratory or experimental techniques, and assists in training and evaluation of other laboratory personnel or students to ensure optimal learning experience and transfer of laboratory skills and knowledge as directed by the principal investigator.8. Develops and maintains computerized databases to be used by all laboratory personnel for inventory, storage and retrieval of reagents and experimental samples. Prepares routine reagents and solutions as required. Maintains laboratory notebook and coordinates order of supplies on a daily/weekly basis.9. Maintains record of laboratory expenditures on supplies and animal costs, prepares summaries of these costs on a monthly basis and works with the principal investigator to keep expenditures in line with budget.10. Performs quality control and routine maintenance on laboratory equipments as needed, including scheduling of maintenance/repair calls.11. Independent troubleshoots and resolves problems12. Maintains established department policies, procedures and objectives, including the areas of quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.13. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as directed.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science degree in a biological/physical science or equivalent required; Master of Science preferred.
3-4 years related experience in the area of molecular and cell biology. Academic degree work may be considered appropriate experience if involved work in a relevant research environment.1. Good organizational and computer skills: ability to develop organizational frameworks for data, inventories, etc. and to implement and communicate efficiently to other laboratory personnel in the form of computerized databases.
2. Ability to analyze data and logically present it.
3. Critical, detail-oriented observational skills. Take initiative to identify problems and troubleshoot as necessary and when appropriate.
4. Methodical recording of laboratory journal/notebook and data.
5. Ability to work independently and to logically and effectively structure tasks and set priorities. i.e., to construct a schedule for accomplishing tasks and carry out that schedule).
6. Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate complex experimental protocols and results and to discuss alternative interpretations with individuals and before an audience. Ability to contribute to manuscripts and grant sections in a scientific writing style.