POSITION SUMMARY:

The Otopathology Laboratory is looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join a diverse and multidisciplinary team focused on understanding the pathologies underlying hearing and balance disorders on the cellular and molecular levels, by procuring, processing, curating, and studying post-mortem human temporal bone specimens.

As a Research Assistant II, the successful candidate will play an integral role in supporting research efforts using an array of wet laboratory techniques, including tissue harvesting, histological processing, molecular biology methodologies, and light microscopy. The Research Assistant II will work independently on a daily basis after training, with mentorship from senior research scientists and in close collaboration with other members of the team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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.

• Work with senior scientist to plan and meet project requirements and deadlines.
• Design, execute and analyze basic experiments.
• Attend team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments, assists in judging the validity of the data obtained, and to ensure that projects support current team goals in a dynamic environment.
• Consult with senior scientists or scientific literature as needed.
• Contributes to the generation of protocols and documents them for use by other lab members.
• May demonstrate basic laboratory techniques to other research staff as necessary.
• Maintains detailed and organized electronic laboratory notebook.
• Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation.
• Prepare, order and maintain stock of necessary lab reagents, solutions and supplies.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations.

• May assist with set up, calibration, cleaning and routine maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Collects, organizes, and summarizes acquired data using scientific techniques, including computer programs.
• If applicable, after appropriate training, uses infectious, bio-hazardous, and/or toxic substances.
• Stays current in safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious, and/or toxic substances.
• Conducts literature searches; reviews and compiles information from journals and suggests use for new techniques to supervisor.
• Performs clerical duties incidental to research tasks as required.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Enhances professional growth and development through educational programs, seminars, conferences, and/or professional affiliations. Consults with other researchers to exchange information.
• Performs other laboratory related functions as required or directed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Position requires a bachelors' degree, with 1+ years related experience and/or training post bachelor's degree. Requires intermediate math skills and ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry; solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form; read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; write reports and correspondence; speak effectively before groups of employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Potential Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens. Job may require performance of tasks that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires clear vision at 20 inches or less and depth perception. Work requires some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts Eye and Ear is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs