Research Technician

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

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

Summary: 
Carries out a broad range of technically advanced research activities and procedures; evaluates conclusions and has considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results; typically supervises technical and sometimes administrative elements of the research unit.  Helps onboard new staff and train them in the lab.

Essential Functions: Develop or have input into modifications of existing assay techniques, experimental protocols, or new procedures.
-Synthesizes and interprets results.
-Prepares written and/or verbal status reports.
-Performs statistical analysis and makes recommendations.
-Independently performs non-routine, highly specialized experimental procedures.
-Composes and may present sections of research reports and manuscripts.

Qualifications

A laboratory research technician position is available in the lab of Dr. Steven Blum at the MGH Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research (KF-CCR). The Blum Lab aims to develop safer and more effective immunotherapy strategies for patients with solid tumors. Using patient samples, systems immunology approaches, and disease-relevant models, the lab will investigate the cellular and molecular drivers of treatment toxicity and resistance. Current efforts focus on two major challenges:

1. Understanding immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and their relationship to anti-tumor immunity in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
2. Investigating peritoneal metastases and malignant ascites, a common complication of advanced cancers associated with poor survival. Initial projects are particularly focused on patients with gastric and esophageal cancers.

Our long-term goal is to uncover broadly applicable principles that inspire new therapeutic strategies and improve clinical care by maximizing anti-tumor immunity while minimizing harm.

The Blum Lab is located in a state-of-the-art research building on the main MGH campus, surrounded by world-class investigators across multiple disciplines. The lab is affiliated with the MGH Department of Medicine, the MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, and the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, providing access to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for collaboration across Boston’s vibrant biomedical community. It is a demanding and fast-paced environment that requires hard work, attention to detail, and an ability to interact well with others as part of a cohesive group. The lab values teamwork, scientific rigor, and curiosity, and it is committed to providing a supportive training environment for motivated scientists.

This position offers the opportunity to learn and employ systems immunology techniques, perform patient-derived ex vivo and in vitro functional assays, and apply single-cell genomics tools to address critical questions in human tumor immunology and autoimmunity. The role involves work in biosafety level 1, 2, and 2+ (BL1–BL2+) laboratory environments. Research technicians will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively with investigators, staff, clinicians, fellows, and students.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

• Design and conduct bench-level experiments, in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Lead small independent research projects.
• Perform laboratory experiments, which may include the following (note: knowledge of all techniques is not required to apply):
• Isolation and purification of primary cells from human and mouse samples
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Cell culture for ex vivo and in vitro functional assays
• Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Cellular perturbation using genetic and mRNA-based approaches
• Single-cell RNA/DNA/protein/ATAC-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics
• Molecular cloning
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, sequencing library prep)
• Analyze experimental results, troubleshoot protocols, and suggest improvements.
• Document, compile, and interpret experimental data; maintain accurate laboratory records of samples, cell lines, and reagents.
• Operate, manage, and maintain complex lab equipment, including flow cytometers, fluorescence microscopes, and other instruments.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to collaborative discussions.
• Assist with general laboratory responsibilities, including inventory and coordination with vendors.
• Other tasks as required.
• Isolation and purification of primary cells from human and mouse samples
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Cell culture for ex vivo and in vitro functional assays
• Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Cellular perturbation using genetic and mRNA-based approaches
• Single-cell RNA/DNA/protein/ATAC-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics
• Molecular cloning
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, sequencing library prep)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Life Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• For applicants with a Bachelor’s degree: >2 years of research experience preferred.
• For applicants with a Master’s degree: >1 year of directly related, full-time lab experience.
• Proficiency in basic lab techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility to assist with processing occasional afternoon clinical samples.
• Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based applications.
• For applicants with a Bachelor’s degree: >2 years of research experience preferred.
• For applicants with a Master’s degree: >1 year of directly related, full-time lab experience.

Preferred (Not Required):

• Familiarity with scientific databases and literature.
• Prior project management experience.
• Exposure to bioinformatics tools (e.g., Python, R) or programming languages (C/C++, Java).

The Blum Lab welcomes talented applicants at all training levels and will tailor responsibilities to experience. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in immuno-oncology within a highly collaborative environment.

Education
Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Experience in an academic or laboratory research setting 1-2 years required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to oversee the work of others.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and set deadlines.
- Strong database management and overall computer skills.
- Functions with speed, precision and an understanding of theory behind tests and procedures.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

80 Blossom Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$49,504.00 - $72,404.80/Annual

Grade

6At 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.

Eeo Statement:

The General Hospital Corporation 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.

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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.