Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.
Job Summary
Technical Research Assistant II
The Technical Research Assistant II will conduct research on epithelial barrier regulation, tight junction biology, and mucosal immune mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will drive an independent research project while also supporting laboratory operations and collaborating with other laboratory personnel. This position combines focused project work with broader technical responsibilities. The research project may be substantially in vitro- or in vivo-based or combine in vitro and in vivo approaches.
This position requires a Master's degree in biological sciences and at least 1 year of post-Master's or 2 years of post-baccalaureate (pre-Master's) research experience.
The successful candidate will demonstrate growing scientific independence, strong technical skills, problem-solving ability, and commitment to rigorous experimental documentation.
Responsibilities
Independent Research Project
- Lead a defined research project investigating epithelial barrier function, tight junction regulation, or mucosal immune responses using cell culture models and/or mouse models.
- Design and perform experiments with guidance from the PI, developing increasing independence over time.
- Maintain and work with epithelial cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, MDCK, T84) and/or primary intestinal epithelial stem cells, including transwell culture systems and barrier function assays.
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and propose solutions with input from senior laboratory personnel.
- Analyze and interpret data; prepare figures and contribute to presentations and manuscripts.
- Present findings at laboratory meetings and participate actively in scientific discussions.
Technical Support and Laboratory Operations
- Perform experiments and provide technical support for ongoing laboratory projects, including work with other lab members.
- Maintain mammalian cell lines, including routine passage, quality control, and cell banking.
- Execute established techniques including transwell barrier assays, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and qPCR.
- Execute mouse-based techniques as needed, including tissue collection, processing, genotyping, and functional assays.
- Assist with mouse colony management, including routine husbandry, breeding support, and record-keeping.
- Maintain laboratory reagents, equipment, and shared resources in good working order.
- Help train new laboratory members in cell culture and basic molecular techniques.
Documentation and Resource Management
- Maintain detailed, high-quality documentation of all experimental work in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
- Contribute to maintenance of databases of mice, cell lines, reagents, and other materials.
- Learn and help implement new experimental methods and protocols.
Scientific Development and Collaboration
- Participate actively in laboratory meetings and journal clubs, developing critical thinking and scientific communication skills.
- Read relevant scientific literature to inform your project and stay current with the field.
- Work collaboratively with other lab members, balancing your independent project with team responsibilities.
- Assist with preparation of figures, data summaries, and methods sections for manuscripts.
Qualifications
Education:
- Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field (required).
Experience:
- Minimum 1 year of post-Master's or 2 years of post-baccalaureate (pre-Master's) research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or related laboratory work.
- Demonstrated ability to work semi-independently on research tasks.
- Mammalian cell culture experience required.
- Epithelial cell lines and/or transwell culture systems preferred.
- Experience with mouse models preferred.
Technical Skills:
- Mammalian cell culture skills including aseptic technique, routine maintenance, and quality control.
- Experience with transwell culture systems and barrier function assays (TEER, permeability) highly desirable.
- Molecular techniques (PCR/qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, flow cytometry basics).
- Mouse handling, genotyping, and basic in vivo procedures (or strong willingness to learn).
- Data analysis and visualization (GraphPad Prism, basic statistical analysis; familiarity with R or Python a plus).
- Ability to follow complex protocols accurately and troubleshoot technical problems.
- Good computer literacy and ability to learn new software and database systems.
- Ability to balance multiple responsibilities and adjust priorities as needed.
Professional Skills:
- Growing independence in experimental planning and execution with appropriate guidance.
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in documentation.
- Good scientific reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Self-motivated with intellectual curiosity about the research.
- Ability to take initiative within defined project scope while knowing when to seek guidance.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes
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.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Onsite
20 Shattuck Street
40
Regular
Day (United States of America)
Pay Range
$24.28 - $39.43/Hourly
Grade
6
At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.
2200 The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
