Senior Research Technologist
Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)

Boston, Massachusetts

Posted in Health and Safety


This job has expired.

Job Info


GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The goal of Dr. Phillippe's many years of fundedresearch has been to elucidate the cellular and cell-signaling mechanismswithin the pregnant uterus that underly the onset of labor (parturition). Currently, research in Dr. Phillippe's laboratoryis addressing various aspects of a possible telomere-based biologic clockmechanism that could determine the length of pregnancy and the timing for theonset of parturition. These studies areassessing the shortening of telomeres in gestational tissues (i.e. the placentaand fetal membranes) of pregnant mice and women, the relationship betweenapoptosis of gestational tissues and the release of cell-free DNA, and theability of cell-free DNA released by these tissues to stimulate an innateimmune response through activation of Toll-like receptor-9. Dr.Phillippe's current research utilizes in-vitrocell cultures, placental and fetal membrane explant cultures, in-vivo timed-pregnant mouse models andarchived human gestational tissues along with various molecular techniques toassess the role of telomere shortening, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and innateimmunity occurring during onset of parturition both at term and preterm. Because of the tremendous clinical andbiologic importance of clarifying the mechanism(s) that determine the length ofpregnancy and the timing for the onset of labor, this area of research willremain the focus for Dr. Phillippe's laboratory for the foreseeable future.

The Senior level ResearchTechnologist will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Lab Director,and/or managers of the laboratory and is expected to work independently onassigned research with minimal guidance from a higher level staff member orPrincipal Investigator. The Senior Technologist may also serve as team leaderto other lab assistants and Research Technicians I and II, if applicable. Theideal Senior Technologist is expected to have extensive experience in mousemodels and handling, in particular retrieval/dissection of gestational andother tissues, preservation for RNA, DNA and immunohistochemical analyses, andin molecular techniques including qPCR, FISH, ELISAs, and more. The Senior Technologistis expected to lead a research project to assess various aspects and effects oftelomere shortening during aging of the gestational tissues primarily usingpregnant mouse and cellular models in a biomedical research laboratory. Withbroad guidance from the Principal Investigator, the Senior Technologist isexpected to independently design and perform experiments to accomplishlaboratory research goals. In addition, she/he will be responsible fordocumenting, analyzing, and reporting the results derived from mouse modelsand/or patient samples. The Senior Technologist will assist in the preparationof manuscripts for publication; and she/he will also assist with gatheringinformation needed for grant preparation and reporting. She/he must be proficient in basic computerskills including word-processing, database and spreadsheet management, emailand internet.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary responsibility of this role will be performing experiments in abiomedical research laboratory for NIH- and foundation-funded research,studying the effects of aging of gestational tissues as a biologic clockmechanism that determines the length of pregnancy and the timing for the onsetof parturition. The position requires a team-based approach between the PI and SeniorTechnologist where the Technologist's input into experimental designs andprotocols, and recommendations for innovation, will be highly valued.

Carries out a wide range of moderate to complex lab techniques such as,but not limited to, ELISAs, DNAextraction and quantitative assays, DNA and protein electrophoreses, qPCR andRT-PCR studies, small animal surgery, mouse colony maintenance, histology,histochemistry, and tissue/cell culture work. Independently modifies techniquesas necessary to meet research and/or experimental needs.

Collectsand records study data. Synthesizes andinterprets information obtained from graphs, charts, laboratory experiments,statistical summaries and other data collection methods. Interprets results to developnew investigative techniques and/or to determine the most appropriate directionof research. Synthesis may involve useof computer programs as well as data entry into databases.

Participatesin the design of experiments and performs procedures (i.e. cell and tissueculture). Develop new experimentalprotocols, execute protocols of non-routine experiments, troubleshootexperimental problems and provide alternative approaches.

She/heis expected to design and conduct experiments independently in the laboratorywith general guidance from the Principal Investigator, and participate in thedesign of complex experiments, including the design and modification of currentprotocols, the execution protocols of non-routine experiments, and to assists thePrincipal Investigator with the determination of the most optimal methodologies.

Maintains an electronic laboratory notebook (LabArchives). Prepares written reports on status ofresearch, determination of technical procedures, sequence of operations,including statistical and graphic summaries of findings and possibleconclusions. Collaborates with supervisor in writing andediting material for publication and may appear as principal or secondaryauthor on publications

Organizes and drafts materials for publication. Independently collect and frequently analyzeexperimental results using appropriate statistical analysis, including judging the validity and reliability of experimental data, summarizing research results, preparing written progressreports and performing independentliterature searches.

May operate and maintain moderate to complex lab equipment such as PCRand real-time qPCR machines, 96-well plate washers and readers, fluorescence andlight microscopes, chemiluminescence and UV digital image analyzer and otherscientific equipment related to research activity.

Participates in the upkeep of the lab; this includes keeping bothdirect and general work spaces clean and tidy and helping maintain an overallsafe and clean environment. May perform,or refer as needed, routine maintenance of lab equipment to include cleaningand replacing of parts. Report equipmentmalfunctions and needs to the laboratory supervisor.

Maintains and orders supplies; and keep an accurate inventory oflaboratory supplies and reagents.

Work safely within the lab environment and in performing workduties. Wear personal protectiveequipment as required.

Attend and actively participate in laboratory meetings, seminars andjournal clubs. Prepares and presentsreports for lab meetings.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

The Senior Technologist should have a strong background in molecularbiology, biochemistry, genetics and reproductive biology; and should understandtheories behind assays and procedures and have the ability to identify problemsand develop solutions.

The Technologist should be able to work independently and displayinitiative to introduce new methodologies to research study.

The Technologist should have comprehensive knowledge of experimental animalcare and handling, especially handling and breeding of mice, and surgery/tissueretrieval from embryos, juvenile and adult offspring generated in the colony.

Ability to prepare IACUC and IRB protocols and maintain compliance withrequired periodic documentation.

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Sound interpersonal skills and the ability to train and supervise juniorlaboratory members.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Computercompetency is required, along with knowledge of Microsoft Office andstatistical analytical software (e.g. SigmaStat, Graphpad Prism, etc.).

Is knowledgeable and compliant in allhospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements, including hospital policyand procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job), JointCommission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and HealthInsurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS and/orREGRISTRATIONS (if applicable):

None

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (ifapplicable):

The Senior Technologist will be expected toprovide necessary research support for other researchers and assist thetraining of students, postdocs and clinical fellows working in Dr. Phillippe'slaboratory.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties will beperformed in a research laboratory. Thissetting may create contact or exposure to one or more of the following: laboratoryanimals (including mice), human tissues, chemicals, fluids, sharp instrumentsand other supplies and equipment consistent with a research lab. Contact or exposure may be airborne orphysical.

Work will beconducted over a forty-hour workweek, but actual schedule can be flexible

Qualifications
EDUCATION:

BS/BA degree in biomedical science or a BS/BA in anydiscipline with significant formal biomedical research training is required.Higher degree including M.S. or PhD degree is preferred but not required,depending on experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Three (3) or more years ofexperience and/or training related to biomedical research is required.

Two (2) or more years ofexperience working with rodent models is required, including experience withsmall animal breeding and non-survival surgery for tissue harvest.

Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques and tissue/cellculture experience is required

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an EqualOpportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives andideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans andindividuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.


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