Job Description

THE WEISSMAN LAB IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED FOR BUILDING INNOVATIVE TOOLS FOR BROADLY EXPLORING ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS. THESE INCLUDE RIBOSOME PROFILING, WHICH GLOBALLY MONITORS PROTEIN TRANSLATION, CRISPRI/A FOR CONTROLLING THE EXPRESSION OF HUMAN GENES AND REWIRING THE EPIGENOME, AND LINEAGE TRACING TOOLS, TO RECORD THE HISTORY OF CELLS.  RECENTLY, WEISSMAN LAB HAS DEVELOPED A NEW RESEARCH DIRECTION WITH SECURED FUNDING TO STUDY EPIGENETIC MECHANISMS IN AGING AND REJUVENATION/REPROGRAMMING. 

The TECHNICAL ASSISTANT I will have A STRONG BACKGROUND IN THE SCIENCES AND A PASSION FOR CONTINUING TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR UNDERSTANDING.  THIS ROLE WILL BE AN INTEGRAL MEMBER OF THE LAB, HELPING TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT NEW FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS TOOLS THAT WILL ENABLE THE GROUP TO TACKLE A WIDE RANGE OF BIOLOGICAL QUESTIONS.  THIS POSITION WILL INVOLVE WORKING WITH MULTIPLE RESEARCHERS TO SUPPORT THEIR SCIENCE – INCLUDING ASSISTING WITH CLONING AND CELL CULTURING.  DUE TO THIS, WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE COMFORTABLE MANAGING MULTIPLE PRIORITIES AND WITH EXCELLENT TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Performs bench level experiments and small independent research projects to support scientific research objectives of a lab or group.  Analyzes experimental data, addresses methodological problems in experimental protocols and results, and reports data to supervisor.  

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• In consultation with the Principal Investigator or other project manager, perform a variety of laboratory and investigative procedures – including routine experimental techniques such as culturing and maintaining mammalian cell culture lines, performing flow cytometry, cloning, and standard basic molecular biology techniques
• Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members with experiments
• Operates lab equipment and prepares and orders necessary supply stocks.  May work with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply issues.
• Collect, verify, record and compile experimental data.  Reports data to supervisor in oral and written reports.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations.
• Prepares, orders, and maintains stocks of necessary reagents, solutions and supplies. Assist with other support duties relating to lab operations as required – such as stocking plasticware, etc.
• May assist with mouse handling (optional)
• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area
• Help with lab organization, including accurate documentation and recording/maintenance of large data files
• Other tasks as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a field directly related to the work,
• Prior experience working in a hands-on research lab
• Prior mouse handling experience a plus
•  Understanding of basic molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Tissue culture of mammalian cells and molecular cloning skills preferred
• Passion for science and continuous education
• Excellent analytical, communication, problem solving, and organizational skills
•  Ability to work both independently and as a team member while engaged in collaborative studies
• Able to learn complex tasks with instruction, and to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise
•  Knowledge of various scientific databases and publications preferred.

Company Description

WHITEHEAD INSTITUTE for BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is a leading, nonprofit research and educational institution that has defined the cutting edge of biomedical science, creating a legacy of research excellence and academic eminence since 1982.​ Wholly independent in its governance, finances and research programs, Whitehead shares a teaching affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering the intellectual, collegial and scientific benefits of a leading research university.​ Whitehead’s Faculty Members and Fellows run pioneering programs in cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics—programs with a record of success.​ We offer excellent benefits including a choice of health insurance options; a generous retirement plan; comprehensive dental, disability and life insurance coverage; competitive salary, substantial vacation and holiday time; and programs for tuition reimbursement, dependent care assistance, pre-tax spending accounts, and subsidized public transportation or parking. Whitehead Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.