Senior Lab Technician RESEARCH NEUROLOGY Venkatesh Lab

Brigham and Women's Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
60 Fenwood Road (Show on map)
Feb 19, 2025
Summary Carries out a broad range of technically advanced research activities and procedures; evaluates conclusions and has considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results; typically supervises technical and sometimes administrative elements of the research unit. Helps onboard new staff and train them in the lab. Essential Functions -Develops or provides input into modifications of existing assay techniques, experimental protocols, or new procedures. -Synthesizes and interprets results. -Prepares written and/or verbal status reports. -Performs statistical analysis and makes recommendations. -Independently performs non-routine, highly specialized experimental procedures. -Composes and may present sections of research reports and manuscripts. Research Support - 70% 1. Collaborate closely with researchers to generate high-quality data for publications, grant proposals, and presentations. 2. Perform advanced mammalian cell culture techniques, including routine maintenance, transfection, and differentiation of various cell lines. 3. Independently execute molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to western blotting, qRT-PCR, cloning, and CRISPR/Cas9-based editing. 4. Assist in advanced microscopy imaging, including confocal and fluorescence microscopy, and take ownership of image acquisition, processing, and quantitativeanalysis. 5. Learn, master, and implement surgical techniques commonly used in preclinical models. 6. Optimize and troubleshoot immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization protocols. 7.Mentor and train new lab members and junior staff in specialized techniques such as mouse handling, genotyping, and experimental design. Cell Culture - 20% 8. Differentiate, expand, and maintain multiple iPSC lines, ensuring cell quality and reproducibility across experiments. 9. Prepare and maintain viral vectors (e.g., lentivirus, AAV) for in vitro and in vivo applications, adhering to biosafety protocols. 10. Develop and maintain primary cultures from animal tissue, including neurons and glial cells. Lab Upkeep - 10% 11. Maintain a clean and well-organized work environment, ensuring proper storage of reagents, cells, and samples. 12. Manage laboratory inventories, including ordering reagents and maintaining stock levels of commonly used consumables. 13. Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on critical lab equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, and PCR machines. 14. Assist in ensuring compliance with institutional biosafety, animal care, and chemical safety regulations. 15. Help maintain accurate lab documentation, including protocols, experimental records, and safety data sheets. Education MSc preferred, bachelor's degree in biology or related major required. 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience outside coursework required. 1. Demonstrated experience with mammalian tissue culture and aseptic technique. 2. Experience with rodent handling, husbandry, and animal experiments. 3. Must have demonstrated experience in molecular techniques, particularly cloning and transfection. 4. Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot protocols and experiments for various projects in the lab. 5. Must be able to maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks documenting experimental procedures, results, and observations. 6. Compile, analyze, and present data in a timely fashion. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Excellent communication skills. - Good interpersonal skills and the ability to oversee the work of others. - Ability to work independently. - Ability to identify problems and develop solutions. - Ability to prioritize tasks and set deadlines. - Strong database management and overall computer skills. - Functions with speed, precision and an understanding of theory behind tests and procedures. The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity 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.