Technical Research Assistant II / 40 Hrs. / Pathology / BWH - Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)

Job Description
Technical Research Assistant II / 40 Hrs. / Pathology / BWH

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The position will support operations in the Massachusetts Host Microbiome Center (MHMC) Gnotobiotic Animal Facility in the BWH. This unique facility supports pre-clinical and basic science studies for how our colonizing microbes affect health and the development of disease. The facility supports more than 70 groups in the greater Boston area, and in areas including food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, brain development and immunity to infectious diseases. The position will work directly with conventional and germfree (gnotobiotic) mice maintained in flexible isolators. Staff are also responsible for managing sterility of supplies and working with the core microbiology and molecular staff to maintain quality programs to ensure mouse lines remain sterile.

Successful candidates must have good organizational, communication and animal handling skills, and demonstrated capacity to work effectively within a team environment and on projects with defined timelines. The position offers the opportunity to work with internationally-renown scientists and physicians and to develop skills working with gnotobiotic mice and pre-clinical models.

Working very independently, under very general supervision, executes protocols involving a variety of routine and non-routine experiments at a professional level. May identify new techniques. Develops modification of existing techniques, as appropriate.

May be responsible for orienting and training new staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain gnotobiotic isolators for breeding programs and defined experimental systems.
2. Strictly follow the centerrsquo;s standard operating procedures (SOPs) necessary to maintain the germfree status of mice, isolators and supplies.
3. Prepares sterilization canisters and monitors adequate sterilization of supplies to support animal colonies.
4. Handles sample collection and labeling for sterility checks and for experimental studies conducted by facility users.
5. Maintain accurate records of breeding colonies and update the records in timely manner.
6. Strictly follow SOPs while prepping sterilant/disinfectant to properly decontaminate isolators or port entry of the isolators.
7. Operate equipment such as autoclave, scissor lift, etc., according to safety guidelines and written MHMC SOPs.
8. Follow directions to complete the tasks and report any issues to the project manager.
9. Other duties as assigned to support the centerrsquo;s needs.
10. Assists in the orientation and training of new staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

BS in biological/physical science required.

• ge;1 year of work experience working with mice.
• Experience with laboratory animal husbandry care and/or microbiology is preferred.
• Working experience with a gnotobiotic mouse model is highly desirable but not required. Training will be provided to the hired candidate.
• AALAS certification at least at Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is preferred but not required.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Good oral and written command of English.
• Excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks and work within a team to manage multiple projects in the facility.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. The position will interact with trainees through to senior faculty who are involved in projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate an autoclave is a plus.
• Must be able to perform animal husbandry duties in a research environment.
• Must have a clear understanding and knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care and research laboratory settings.

Job

Brigham and Womenrsquo;s Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Primary Location MA-Boston-BWH Longwood Medical Area
Organization
BWH Longwood Medical Area (BWHBostonLongwood)
75 Francis Street
Boston, 02115