Research Lab Technician II BWH Rheumatology

This position in the laboratory of Michael Brenner, MD, who is world renowned for his contributions to immunology and arthritis biology, offers the opportunity to join a dynamic group studying inflammation and autoimmunity, with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis. Some important advances in the field driven by Dr. Brenner’s research group include the discovery of a unique population of T cells that is dramatically expanded in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, published in the journal Nature, as well as the identification of distinct fibroblast populations within joint tissue of rheumatoid arthritis patients, reported in Nature Communications. This research group seeks to continue to advance our understanding of arthritis through “disease deconstruction,” in which we study the function of cells from patients, including T cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. These functions are evaluated through a combination of analytical methods, including single cell RNA-sequencing, bulk RNA-seq, flow cytometry, along with in vitro functional studies and animal models. The detailed analyses of tissues from patient samples are carried out in close collaboration with the BWH Human Immunology Center and Single Cell Genomics Core. Under general supervision by a supervisor, and in accordance with established hospital policies and procedures, the self-motivated individual in this position will perform activities related to the processing and analysis of cells and tissue samples from humans and mice using standard immunology and molecular biology techniques, including cell isolation and cell culture, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and ELISA. Responsibilities also include tracking and organizing tissue and cell samples, developing analysis methods, maintaining regulatory protocols, data analysis, and preparation and presentation of data. In addition, this individual will perform a variety of routine assays and experiments in the laboratory and help in general to maintain lab organization and support laboratory staff. This position offers many opportunities to learn by one-on-one interactions, lab meetings, and group meeting formats. There are also opportunities to present data gathered and be part of discussions of data significance and to learn about a variety of technologies and biologic areas of research in the lab.

Principles and Duties:

1. Process samples for research, including:

a. Processing of tissue samples and isolation of cells

b. Isolation and culture of immune and stromal cells from tissue specimens

c. Cell staining for flow cytometry, cell sorting, and mass cytometry

d. Tissue staining for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy

e. Aliquot and freeze or thaw biospecimens

2. Perform functional analyses of stromal and immune cells:

a. Cell stimulation for detection of surface and secreted factors by RT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, western blot

b. Functional assays

c. Co-cultures of different cell types

3. Work independently under general supervision, perform a variety of routine assays and experiments in the laboratory including (but not limited to):

a. Short-term and long-term cell cultures requiring aseptic cell culture technique

b. Functional in vitro cell culture assays

c. Enzymatic activity assays

d. ELISA

e. Flow cytometry

f. PCR/RT-PCR

g. Western blot analysis

h. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy

4. Perform animal work including (but not limited to) mouse colony maintenance, animal handling, samples collection and processing, genotyping, and carrying out experimental disease models.

5. Report on progress of work at laboratory seminars.

6. Prepare laboratory reagents, chemicals, instruments, and equipment.

7. Maintain supplies inventory in accordance with laboratory and department procedures.

8. Assist in the orientation and training of new students, technicians, and fellows.

9. Maintain established department policies, procedures, and objectives, including the areas of quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.

10. Perform other duties as directed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

• One year experience working in a laboratory.
• Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills as required to work closely with a research team.
• Demonstrated competence with databases/spreadsheets and software packages.
• Willingness to learn other laboratory techniques.

Skills Required:

Must possess good organizational skills.

Ability to communicate information clearly in both oral and written form, including email.

Ability to make decisions based on logical assumptions of factual data to solve technical and logistical problems.

BWH 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.