Research Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Position involves working in a fast-paced computational neuroimaging lab. The lab is comprised of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research assistants from different backgrounds including Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, and Biology. Using these different backgrounds, the lab develops and maintains software to analyze MRI data and performs cutting edge research in a variety of domains.

For this position, the Research Technician (RT) will process in vivo MRI scans using our in-house software, FreeSurfer and assess the quality of results.

Other projects/tasks the RT could be involved in depending on interest and availability:

• Run MRI experiments on several different MRI scanners (whole body 3T and/or whole body 7T), on human research subjects
• Recruitment of research subjects for MRI scanning projects
• Management of IRB protocols
• Teaching FreeSurfer, our in-house software, to users from around the globe
• Troubleshooting software issues for FreeSurfer users
• Beta-testing new versions of FreeSurfer or other software developed in-house
• Developing or improving scripts and/or code (via C shell scripting, C++, or Python)

All new staff will be trained in our methods. Candidates with skills & competencies (see below) that support their ability to learn these methods quickly will be strong candidates. Please see our website to learn more about us: https://lcn.martinos.org

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 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 & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• A sound degree of computer literacy & willingness to advance computational skills independently (for working in our UNIX environment, scanning, and data processing)
• Elements of project management will be required to stay on top of the many projects the lab has running in parallel
• Candidate must be able to learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time and carry out procedures meticulously, taking action to prevent mistakes
• Candidate should not easily be discouraged by failed experiments but enjoy the challenge

• Ability to work independently and improve the quality and efficiency of their own work
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently, manage their time well and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work well on a team and enlist others' support in achieving objectives

The following skills and competencies are not required but are a plus:

• Knowledge of UNIX. All our computers use the UNIX operating system.
• Programming and/or shell scripting knowledge
• Experience with imaging, MRI scanning and/or analysis
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy

The Research Technician II should also possess:

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: Relevant backgrounds would be Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, and/or Biology

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.
• Individuals with even more experience or advanced degrees should still apply as there is the potential to offer a more advanced position depending on the individual's experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position involves working in a fast-paced Computational Neuroimaging Lab. The lab develops and maintains software for MR image analysis and works primarily in a UNIX computer environment. The lab is responsible for several in vivo and ex vivo (human) MRI projects. The employee will work in a general office environment and may work in a wet lab (at the bench) environment. The employee may work with big machinery (MRI) and wet lab equipment, such as a microtome and microscope. S/he may be exposed to various histology chemicals as well as formaldehyde at levels that are not significant enough to even come close to challenging recommended safety levels.

The information contained in this document is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of individuals so classified.

Job Posting (optional):

Position involves working in a fast-paced computational neuroimaging lab. The lab is comprised of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research assistants from different backgrounds including Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, and Biology. Using these different backgrounds, the lab develops and maintains software to analyze MRI data and performs cutting edge research in a variety of domains.

For this position, the Research Technician (RT) will process in vivo MRI scans using our in-house software, FreeSurfer and assess the quality of results.

Other projects/tasks the RT could be involved in depending on interest and availability:

• Run MRI experiments on several different MRI scanners (whole body 3T and/or whole body 7T), on human research subjects
• Recruitment of research subjects for MRI scanning projects
• Management of IRB protocols
• Teaching FreeSurfer, our in-house software, to users from around the globe
• Troubleshooting software issues for FreeSurfer users
• Beta-testing new versions of FreeSurfer or other software developed in-house
• Developing or improving scripts and/or code (via C shell scripting, C++, or Python)

All new staff will be trained in our methods. Candidates with skills & competencies (see below) that support their ability to learn these methods quickly will be strong candidates. Please see our website to learn more about us: https://lcn.martinos.org

Work Format:

Position may be on-site, hybrid, or remote. The majority of the team is remote and meetings are virtual with the exception of one on-site meeting a month.

Skills/Competencies relevant to the position:

• A sound degree of computer literacy & willingness to advance computational skills independently (for working in our UNIX environment, scanning, and data processing)
• Elements of project management will be required to stay on top of the many projects the lab has running in parallel
• Candidate must be able to learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time and carry out procedures meticulously, taking action to prevent mistakes
• Candidate should not easily be discouraged by failed experiments but enjoy the challenge

• Ability to work independently and improve the quality and efficiency of their own work
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently, manage their time well and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work well on a team and enlist others' support in achieving objectives

The following skills and competencies are not required but are a plus:

• Knowledge of UNIX. All our computers use the UNIX operating system.
• Programming and/or shell scripting knowledge
• Experience with imaging, MRI scanning and/or analysis
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy

Relevant degrees include Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, and/or Biology.

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.

Individuals with even more experience or advanced degrees should still apply as there is the potential to offer a more advanced position depending on the individual's experience.

About us:

Position offers great opportunities to work with prominent scientists, people from a variety of fields, a great and fun team, opportunities to publish, as well as guidance and support for future career choices. Please see our website to learn more about the different ongoing projects: https://lcn.martinos.org

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action 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.