Classification:

Exempt

Job Family:

Technicians

Reports to:

Member

Job Description Summary:

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

As a highly motivated member of the Lourido Lab, provides research support for the general operations of a multidisciplinary team investigating host-parasite interactions. Acts as a point-of-contact for lab operations by overseeing ordering of supplies, lab safety, maintenance of lab equipment, and tissue culture. Assists with onboarding of new lab members, and is generally willing to participate in the continuing education of lab members in best practices for safety and laboratory research. Participates in research by collaborating with lab members on the design and execution of experiments aimed at developing new technologies in pursuit of the scientific objectives of the group. Develops analytical skills, by documenting and interpreting experimental data, presenting results to group members, and addressing methodological problems in experimental protocols. Effectively communicates research progress through attentive recordkeeping, development of detailed protocols, and graphical displays of results. Remains engaged in scientific activities such as seminars, lab meetings, and journal club. Uses discretion in prioritizing and organizing workflow and in optimizing methodologies and results.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Provides mammalian tissue culture support for members of the lab, typically involving weekly maintenance of cell lines and preparation of tissue culture consumables.
• May support animal experiments (mainly with mice) through husbandry, infection, euthanasia, and dissection.
• In consultation with the Principal Investigator or other lab members, designs experiments and small independent research projects.
• Analyzes experimental results and troubleshoots methods to improve research protocols. Maintains organized records and documentation of all experimental procedures. Reports results to the supervisor in oral and written form.
• Organizes lab consumables (plastics, kits, and chemicals) in compliance with lab and safety guidelines. Proactively monitors stocks of lab plastics and reorders items as necessary.
• Prepares stocks and aliquots of common buffers and reagents and autoclaves consumables for communal use.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g. biosafety cabinets, incubators, and other equipment); monitors levels of and packages biological waste for disposal.
• Moderate lifting required (up to 20 pounds).
• May consult scientific literature as needed.
• Acts as the Safety Representative, Chemical Waste Manager, and Emergency Evacuation Coordinator for the laboratory.
• Other tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a field directly related to the work.Must have 2 years of experience working full-time in a research laboratory.(Master's degree, at least one year of directly related, full time lab experience).
• Proficiency in basic lab techniques and principles of molecular biology required.
• Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture and mouse work preferred.
• Willingness to work with Toxoplasma gondii and mice under BL2 containment.
• Knowledge of various scientific databases and publications preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills required.

Whitehead Institute is an E-Verify employer

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf