Career Center

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our interdisciplinary team at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and the Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery. As a Research Technician I, you will work in the laboratory of Dr. Shannon Stott, focused on developing a novel microfluidic assay for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring using extracellular vesicles (EVs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), while also integrating computational analytics.

As part of this role, you will have the chance to fabricate and test microfluidic devices, and perform experiments with bodily fluids obtained from cancer patients. You will work closely with post-doctoral fellows and Dr. Stott, taking responsibility for basic science and translational research projects. You will also have the opportunity to work with computational biologists and use computation as a powerful microscope to study both the fundamental biology of cancer, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients in the hospital setting. You will be responsible for method development and analysis for our state-of-the-art liquid biopsy technologies to monitor therapy response during treatment and analysis of 'omics' data from different cancer types.

The Stott laboratory is comprised of bioengineers and biologists with a passion for translating technological advances to relevant applications in clinical medicine. We use microfluidics, imaging, and biopreservation technologies to create tools that increase our understanding of cancer biology and the metastatic process. Our lab has co-developed innovative microfluidic devices that can isolate extraordinarily rare CTCs and EVs from the blood of cancer patients, and we use multispectral imaging to explore the spatial relationships between immune cells and tumor tissue to better predict treatment response.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills. Prior experience and independence would be considered strengths. This is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative team focused on advancing our understanding of cancer biology and improving cancer care. You will be responsible for collecting and accurately recording procedures and results, maintaining databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participating in the joint upkeep of the lab.

With a research budget of $1B in 2019, MGH is home to the largest hospital-based research enterprise in the United States and ranks #1 in NIH funding among independent hospitals. The Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery (CEMS) is located at the Massachusetts General Hospital and is affiliated with Harvard Medical school. CEMS houses 6 senior and ~10 junior PIs along with a research staff >50; it's also the home to the BioMEMS Resource Center.

• Our center believes diversity drives innovation and the only way to truly impact the world through scientific discovery is to develop solutions that work for everyone. To achieve this, our center values differences and is committed to creating a diverse environment. We are also committed to creating a culture of inclusion where diverse identities, backgrounds, views, and perspectives are welcome and respected

Qualifications
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Technician 1 is a full-time position that serves to assist Principal Investigators in a research laboratory. Principal duties are to assist in experiments for research projects under the supervision of the project head and Dr. Stott. Work will include handling clinical samples from cancer patients and analyzing large data sets using novel algorithms and various programming tools. All duties are outlined below:

Performing laboratory experiments utilizing standard techniques and equipment under the direction of an advisor, including

• Operating and fabricating microfluidic devices
• Designing interfaces for machine operation, with some coding required
• DNA/RNA extraction
• Cell culture
• Western blotting
• ddPCR
• Lentiviral transductions
• Assist in the design of custom optical systems for microfluidic applications
• Assist in programming of lab instrumentation

Apply existing and novel algorithms to cancer data sets, analyze data quality, critically review and analyze results, communicate results to biologists, computational biologists, software engineers and clinicians.

Explore novel data visualization tools, with emphasis on integrating diverse data types and extracting clinically relevant insights.

Handling clinical samples for direct analyses of human tumor, circulating tumor cells and extracellular vesicles. Must be comfortable with handling previously collected blood, saliva, and feces in a safe and controlled environment.

Preparing and handling of microfluidic devices in a cleanroom environment (experience preferred but not required);

Processing, organizing and summarizing data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms;

Performing routine logging and testing of samples;

Assisting in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols;

Contribute to scientific writing and creation of data figures to be included in research publications reporting novel discoveries made in the lab and clinic.

Maintaining a thorough lab notebook of all experiments;

Instructing other staff and students in basic laboratory techniques;

May perform independent literature searches to help drive projects forward;

Performing related laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies;

Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment;

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Required:

• Ability to work as part of a team member as well as independently
• High comfort level with technology and complex interfaces
• Meticulous work habits - to include keeping a detailed and accurate lab notebook
• Ability to apply critical thinking to experiments and outcomes
• Appropriate communications skills required for presentation of scientific data.
• Familiarity with programming (e.g. python, 'R', MATLAB).
• Ability to multi-task
• Working Conditions: May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.
• Commitment to supporting equity and diversity and establishing a culture of inclusion.

Other Preferred Skills (seen as a plus):

• Skilled at designing and trouble-shooting experiments
• Molecular techniques, including PCR
• Experience with material science and engineering (i.e. alginate, polyacrylamide, etc.)
• Light / fluorescence microscopy techniques and image processing
• Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis
• Familiarity with cell culture, including training in sterile techniques
• Microfluidics experience or work within a cleanroom environment
• Coursework in genetics, cell/molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and/or immunology.

The above listed skills are listed in no particular order or preference.

EDUCATION:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering (e.g. biological, chemical, mechanical, electrical), physics or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

• 0 - 1 year research and laboratory experience are required, which could be gained as part of undergraduate education/training.

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.Partner's Healthcare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Return to Search Results