What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Lab Technician II - OHNS Cancer Research position at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - MEI?
Education
Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes
Licenses and Credentials
Experience
Previous Research Lab Experience 1-2 years required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.
- Ability to interpret acceptability of data results.
- Strong Computer skills.
- Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.
Job Description: Research Lab Technician II (RLT II)
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician II will support preclinical and translational cancer research within the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear. The position is based in the research space at SERI, 50 Staniford Street, Boston, under the supervision of Dr. Rahul Pal. The technician will play a central role in maintaining and executing in vivo mouse tumor studies and associated cellular and molecular biology experiments. A strong foundation in animal handling, cell biology, and standard molecular biology techniques is essential. This position is well suited for a candidate interested in applying rigorous biological methods to translational cancer research, with opportunities to learn and grow into cutting edge imaging and computational analysis approaches developed in the laboratory.
Responsibilities
The Research Technician II will be responsible for a broad range of experimental and analytical activities, including:
In vivo mouse tumor models
- Establishing, maintaining, and monitoring murine tumor models
- Performing tumor implantation, measurements, and longitudinal study support
- Handling and processing of mouse tissues following in vivo experiments
- Supporting ex vivo tissue preparation and analysis, including sample preservation for downstream assays
Cell biology and in vitro systems
- Maintaining routine mammalian cell culture
- Establishing and expanding primary cell lines from tumor or tissue specimens
- Performing cell-based assays to evaluate biological responses to therapeutic or imaging agents
- Supporting experimental design and execution of mechanistic studies in vitro
Molecular and biochemical techniques
- Tissue processing for downstream molecular analyses
- Extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins from tissue and cell samples
- Western blotting, immunodetection, and related protein analysis techniques
- Flow cytometry and sample preparation for immune and tumor cell profiling
- Supporting downstream data interpretation in collaboration with investigators
Imaging and technology development (training provided)
- Participation in ex vivo tissue imaging and fluorescence-based assays
- Exposure to advanced fluorescence lifetime imaging and other optical imaging modalities developed in the laboratory
- Assisting with instrument testing, validation, and experimental imaging workflows
- Imaging expertise is not required at entry level and will be developed through on-the-job training
Data analysis and computational support
- Performing data analysis using commercial and laboratory-developed software tools
- Exposure to image processing and quantitative analysis pipelines
- Experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is highly desirable but not required
- Opportunity to contribute to development of custom analysis workflows in collaboration with the research team
General laboratory and research support
- Maintaining accurate experimental records, databases, and sample inventories
- Assisting with preparation of reports, figures, manuscripts, and presentations
- Supporting regulatory documentation and compliance requirements as needed
- Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members across basic and clinical research environments
Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is required, along with 1-2 years of relevant post-baccalaureate laboratory experience.
Strongly Preferred:
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated hands-on experience with animal models and/or a strong background in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including tissue handling, mammalian cell culture, and standard biochemical assays. Strong proficiency in following experimental protocols with precision, maintaining accurate records, and working with biological samples is essential. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team are required, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting experimental priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
Preferred qualifications include prior experience with mouse tumor models or cancer biology research, as well as familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting, nucleic acid extraction, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Exposure to biomedical imaging, quantitative assays, or interdisciplinary research environments integrating biology and technology is highly desirable. Experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is a strong plus but not required. Candidates with a strong interest in transitioning into a highly interdisciplinary program that integrates cancer biology, molecular imaging, and computational analysis are especially encouraged to apply.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity 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.
Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and 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. EEO is the Law.