Research Technician- Pulmonary & Critical Care

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Schmidt laboratory studies the mechanisms underlying organ failure (such as acute kidney injury, the acute respiratory distress syndrome, and post-septic cognitive impairment) during critical illness. Our laboratory is especially interested in the role of the endothelial and epithelial glycocalyces during critical illness and conducts several projects involving both translational human studies and mouse models of disease. The individual hired for this position will have some experience with basic cell biology techniques (gene expression by PCR and protein expression by Western blotting and/or ELISA approaches) and a high degree of computer literacy. This person will be involved in translational human and mouse studies using a variety of molecular and cellular techniques including, but not limited to: DNA and RNA extraction, RNA sequencing, PCR and real-time PCR analysis, ELISA-based analyses, and purification of glycans from biological specimens. This person will also assist with mouse studies, including disease modeling, surgery/procedures, and husbandry. There will also be opportunities to help collect and process human samples as part of our divisional biobanking enterprise. This position is an excellent opportunity to work with a collaborative and collegial group of lung biology researchers focused on precision medicine approaches in the ICU. The position includes weekly meetings with the PI (the Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at MGH) focused on scientific projects and career development.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs animal husbandry, including the breeding and genotyping of transgenic mouse colonies.

Prepares and runs samples for mass spectrometry quantification of glycans.

Prepares and runs samples for ELISA-based quantification of protein biomarkers.

Interface with the Program for Advancing Critical Care Translational Science (PACCTS), a divisional biobanking effort focused on understanding the heterogeneity of critical illness.

Writes and executes protocols of non-routine experiments.

Participates in the design of experiments and assist post-doctoral fellows with determining the most suitable methodology.

Organizes, analyzes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.

Organizes and/or drafts data for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation.

Attend research meetings and present data.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Demonstrated competence in basic research techniques and methodologies: Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques, ability to work with mice, ability to work with human samples using universal precautions, and ability to consistently prepare samples to ensure reproducibility.

Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.

Ability to interpret acceptability of data results.

Working knowledge of data management programs. (Microsoft Excel required; GraphPad Prism and R/Python desirable).

High degree of computer literacy.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Some experience performing research in a laboratory setting, either while a student, during summers, or following graduation. Experience in cell and molecular biology preferred
• Those with a minimum of 1 year of directly related work experience will be considered for a Research Technician II position.

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.