Research Technician

Minimum degree and field of knowledge: Bachelor’s degree  

Years’ experience required: Relevant coursework and lab experience 

The Kwon Laboratory at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (www.kwonlab.org) has an opening for a highly motivated Research Technician to study the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection and the human microbiome at mucosal tissue sites in the female genital tract. The overall goal is to conduct translational research to help reduce the spread of HIV and reduce the impact of bacterial vaginosis, particularly among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The person hired will work under the supervision of Dr. Doug Kwon and Dr. Ben Read conducting patient-oriented translational research involving cutting-edge technologies. The position will involve handling and processing of tissue and blood samples, immunologic assays, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, sequencing, and utilizing novel assays to study mucosal immune responses to HIV and mucosal bacteria.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a scientific research or medicine career while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment. The lab studies samples from ongoing clinical cohorts based in the US and South Africa examining the risk of HIV, HIV pathogenesis, bacterial Vaginosis, preterm birth, and other adverse outcomes to vaginal and reproductive health. State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptionally energetic research setting.

The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.

Job Duties:

• Perform experiments analyzing microbial and tissue samples from human subjects, assessing the impact of the microbiome and HIV infection on cervicovaginal mucosal health.
• Perform and assist with experiments involving next-generation sequencing, bacteriology, immunologic assays, microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular biology.
• Analyze data and present findings to others.
• Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work.
• Ensure quality control of equipment, reagents, and cellular components.
• Read and interpret current literature to aid in experimental design.
• Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators.
• Maintain close communications with supervisors regarding progress.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, computational biology, biological engineering, ecology, or a related field is mandatory.
• New graduates with some lab experience (through coursework, internships, etc.) will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above.
• Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Laboratory experience required
• Computer experience including expertise with Microsoft Office programs is essential

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with anaerobic microbiology is preferred
• Experience with R is highly preferred
• Flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends if needed