Research Technician II - Boston Medical Center

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, performs procedures and experiments for immunologic and molecular studies of bacteria using approved techniques or special instructions. Collects specimens for data analysis, provides testing, maintains storage, and/or transports to appropriate laboratories for analysis. Analyze data using statistical analysis software and creates charts, graphs, tables, etc., to summarize the results of the data. Interacts with students, technicians, and Principal Investigator to plan, carry out, and analyze data from experiments. Helps maintain equipment and reagent/material supplies.

Position: Research Technician II

Department: Infectious Diseases

Schedule: Full Time

Essential Responsibilities/Duties:

• Reviews and implements the laboratory component of protocols pertaining to the study of immunology and bacteria. Prepares reagents, culture devices, vials and slides, as directed.
• Collects and processes samples (from cell culture, blood or stored specimens), using universal safety precautions. Maintains log and completes necessary paperwork for experiments.
• Ensures that prepared samples are stored according to standard operating procedure (e.g. refrigerated, frozen, incubated, etc.).
• Works with the Principal Investigator and laboratory personnel to use bacteriologic, immunologic, and molecular techniques; sterile techniques with appropriate bio-safety precautions; and equipment, including, but not limited to, laminar flow hoods, incubators, centrifuges, ultracentrifuges, thermal cyclers, cell harvesters, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Conducts cell culture assays involving primary cells and established cell lines. Employs molecular techniques, including immunofluorescence assays, ELISA, chromatin immunoprecipitations, real time PCR, transfections, T-cell subset analyses, transductions and a variety of other research assays, as required.
• Conducts procedures and assays, as requested by the Principal Investigator. Performs experiments and laboratory procedures, makes observations, conducts microscopic evaluations, and performs testing and other analyses, as directed.
• Learns techniques, analyzes data, and designs experiments with Principal Investigator, collaborators, and laboratory personnel.
• Communicates results of procedures performed and specific methods used, with Principal Investigator and other researchers.
• Maintains accuracy and integrity of data. Maintains computer databases of assay results and freezer storage logs.
• Provides upon request detailed documentation and records of all experiments and test procedures performed, including materials utilized and batch logs of stored specimens.
• Maintain appropriate laboratory inventory and orders supplies, as needed.
• Helps maintain safe work environment by routinely autoclaving lab wastes and materials.
• Documents and timely notifies Principal Investigator of any methodology problems and/or discrepancies encountered with instruments or equipment. Monitors equipment certification requirements and arranges for repairs, as necessary.
• Reports all incidents, safety hazards or accidents to appropriate personnel.
• Provides training and guidance to students or other individuals who may be assigned to the lab on a regular or temporary basis.
• Adapts to changes in the departmental needs, including but not limited to offering assistance to team members, assisting other labs in the Section, as directed, etc.
• Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards of RESPECT as the basis for decision-making and to support the hospital's goals and mission.
• Perform other duties, as needed.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required)

EDUCATION::

Requires Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

One to three years' research laboratory experience is required, with at least one year in tissue culture. Experience in cell and molecular biology is highly desirable but not required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires knowledge of immunoassay, molecular and microbiological techniques and general lab testing procedures to perform moderately complex tests and analytical ability to accurately report results
• Ability to learn and integrate procedures and knowledge relating to bacteriologic, immunologic, and molecular techniques under the supervision of the Principal Investigator
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Access), web browsers and statistical analysis tools
• Experience using statistical data analysis and scientific graphics applications (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Minitab) helpful
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks as dictated by the research schedule
• Excellent interpersonal and English verbal and written language skills sufficient to exchange information with research staff, interact with other technicians and prepare written reports
• Requires safe handling of potentially infectious materials, including HIV specimens and/or noxious chemicals, using appropriate hospital, laboratory, and bio-safety precautions
• Requires the manual/visual dexterity necessary to prepare specimens, prepare solutions, screen specimens and operate a computer software system

Req id: 23561