Research Technician

The Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) lab at the Ragon Institute of MGH, Harvard and MIT is seeking a full-time research technician. The candidate will work together with a dynamic team to study viral pathogenesis, including SARS-CoV-2 and mpox, with the goal of facilitating collaborative work on BSL3 pathogens. Current projects include: understanding the effect of viral infection on host cell biology and characterizing viral properties of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The position offers significant opportunity for both the development of technical skills and intellectual growth. No knowledge of BSL3 techniques and protocols are expected; all required training will be provided.

• Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. – pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
• 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 reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment
• May perform independent literature searches
• Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
• Maintains and orders supplies

• 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/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently

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

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 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.

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