Research Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Position involves working in a fast-paced biomedical optics group within a computational neuroimaging lab. Our group develops novel optical imaging techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multi-photon microscopy, and combine with MRI and modeling to perform cutting edge research in the brain. The lab is comprised of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research assistants from different backgrounds including Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Neuroscience, Biology, Math, and Psychology.

The Research Technician will take on several job responsibilities from our list of potential projects (below).

The major responsibilities we are looking for a RT to take on are:

1. High resolution OCT and multiphoton microscopy imaging

• Operating of the imaging systems will be taught, while previous experience with optical microscopy is preferred.

• Incumbent must:

• handle brain tissue and tissue imaging solutions

• work both independently and as a team in optical lab, operating built-in-house OCT and multi-photon microscope, performing data collection

• conduct routine post processing and data analysis

• learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time; follow procedures carefully

• work evenings and weekends to perform some of the experiments, including being on call during designated weekends to respond to technical problems

• have a sound degree of computer literacy (for imaging and data processing)

• knowledge of MATLAB is preferred (for data processing)

2. Multi-modality, multi-scale image analysis

• Computation and visualization tools such as Freesurfer will be taught.

• Conduct routine data processing for each image modality

• Conduct image registration between ex vivo MRI, OCT, multi-photon microscopy, and histological images

• Incumbent must:

• have a sound degree of computer literacy

• have some knowledge of scripting using C, C , or any other code

3. Engineering, characterization, and test of OCT platforms that are under continuous development

• Incumbent must:

• have a sound degree of computer literacy

• have some knowledge of hardware control programs

• have some knowledge of MATLAB, C, C , or any other code

4. Tissue processing

• General wet lab knowledge is required for this project

• We conduct histological experiments on exvivo human brain tissue which involves:

• sectioning

• tissue/slide mounting

• staining using histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques

• acquisition and intake of brain specimens

• maintaining laboratory solutions, supplies, and equipment in a biological lab Other potential projects (and their qualifications):

1. Participating in optical system engineering, using optical modeling, and/or CAD software

2. There are many opportunities to write/work with code & analyze large datasets of different subject populations and pathology

3. Manually labeling the anatomy on images

• Knowledge of neuroanatomy is necessary

• Incumbent must:

• be able to stay motivated during tedious/repetitive tasks

• have an interest in brain anatomy

• be detail-oriented, focused, and organized

Position offers great opportunities to work with prominent scientists, people from a variety of fields, a great and fun team, opportunities to publish, as well as guidance and support for future career choices. Please see our website to learn more about the different ongoing projects:

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understands and applies basic scientific techniques

• Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed

• Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results

• Prepares lab chemicals, tissue, and equipment

• Maintains laboratory notebook

• May perform independent literature searches

• Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation

• Maintains and orders supplies

A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also:

• Participate in the design of experiments

• Execute protocols of non-routine and exploratory experiments

• Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology

• Perform modification of imaging platforms and protocols

• Calculate, transcribe and analyze data

• Prepare and present reports

• Organize imaging schedules

• 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.

• Organize group meeting

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUI

• Some engineering background and/or hands on experience in biological, physical, or chemical labs is required.

• A sound degree of computer literacy & willingness to advance computational skills independently (for working in UNIX environment and data processing in MATLAB)

• Elements of project management will be required to stay on top of the many projects the lab has running in parallel

• Candidate must be able to learn many complicated, technical details over a short period of time and carry out procedures meticulously, taking action to prevent mistakes

• Candidate should not easily be discouraged by failed experiments but enjoy the challenge

• Ability to work independently and improve the quality and efficiency of their own work

• Ability to coordinate and cooperate with colleagues for sophisticated tasks

• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently, manage their time well and adapt to changing priorities

• Ability to work well on a team and enlist others' support in achieving objectives

The following skills and competencies are not required but are a plus:

• Experience with operating optical microscopy, data collection, and/or analysis

• Experience in wet lab

• Programming and/or shell scripting knowledge

• Knowledge of hardware control program

• Knowledge of CAD software

• Knowledge of UNIX

• Knowledge of neuroanatomy

The Research Technician II should also possess:

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems

• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results

• Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: Relevant backgrounds would be Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biology, and/or Neuroscience.

EXPERIENCE:

• 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position involves working in a fast-paced biomedical optics group within a computational neuroimaging lab. The group develops optical imaging techniques and combine with MRI and modeling to perform cutting edge research in the brain. The employee will work in a combination of general office environment, optical lab, and wet lab (at the bench) environment. The employee will work with sophisticated optical imaging systems, lasers, and wet lab equipment, such as microscope and vibratome. S/he may be exposed to various histology chemicals as well as formaldehyde at levels that are not significant enough to even come close to challenging recommended safety levels.

Massachusetts General Hospital 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.

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