GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit (ACTRU) is seeking to hire a highly motivated and organized self-starter with excellent people skills to work with evaluating and running biomarker assays in samples from Alzheimer's Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders within our expanding biomarker core. The role will involve evaluating and performing a variety of immunobiochemically based biomarker assays both manually and on automated equipment in a range of research projects including translational studies, clinical trials, and as a core service. Work will be performed under the supervision of the Director of the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) Biomarker Core.

The Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard communities offer an extraordinarily rich and diverse opportunity for collaboration, learning, and mentorship alongside a highly talented pool of researchers and clinicians. ACTRU is a multidisciplinary unit using a basic science to clinical translational research approach to designing patient-oriented experimental and clinical trials for aging and dementia. These involve advanced digital health assessments, neuroimaging, and ultra-sensitive molecular biomarker detection technologies in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue.

ACTRU is actively engaged in efforts to increase diversity both in our lab and in our clinical trials, and we encourage applications from under-represented minorities and individuals aligned with these interests.

Please include a cover letter with your application detailing your specific interest in this position and how your previous experience relates to the principal duties of the role.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform ELISA and other biochemical assay protocols including retrieval of samples from biorepository and sample pre-processing. Fit-for purpose assay testing of novel commercial assays according to the lab Manuals of Operation (MOO) and developing lab MOOs for assays that pass fit-for-purpose testing.
• Run standardized ELISA assay protocols on the Tecan Evo200 Liquid handler platform, Fujirebio Lumipulse and Quanterix HD-X. Direct experience with these specific platforms is not required, but candidate should be comfortable with running complex / robotic instrumentation.
• Assess assay results for Quality Control failures and consult with supervisors to address action to be taken.
• Assist with core record keeping and study documentation.
• Collaborate closely with the ACTRU Clinical team to streamline biomarker workflows and assist in sample collection and banking where necessary.
• Ordering laboratory reagents and supplies. Maintaining equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and present data.
• Performs other duties or special projects that are department or unit specific, and that are appropriate to this level of position.

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

• Assist with the design and troubleshooting of methods new to the lab and performing non-routine experiments with supervision from the MIND Biomarker Core Director and other laboratory staff. Develop lab MOOs for novel assays.
• Learn basic programming of the Tecan Evo200 to adapt protocols to improve assay throughput and optimize workflows for individual studies
• In collaboration with ACTRU data analysis team, analyze data, perform basic statistical analysis, and prepare figures for publications and reports.
• Opportunities to travel and present at National Conferences may be available at the discretion of the incumbent's Supervisor.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have a strong motivation to learn
• Familiarity with ELISA assay principles
• Solid understanding of laboratory practices and procedures preferred
• Must have excellent interpersonal, speaking, and writing abilities
• Ability to manage work processes in a neat and orderly way, to follow instructions, and to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
• On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessary
• Must be able to prioritize and perform multiple tasks independently
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism
• Sound degree of computer literacy required. Familiarity with programming in R preferred.

Qualifications
EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree required.

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.

EEO Statement
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.Partner's Healthcare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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