Research Technician
Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the supervision of Matthew Frosch MD PhD. in the Departments of Pathology and Neurology, the technician will perform research as part of projects involving both autism and neurodegenerative diseases, mostly in human tissue, but also potentially in animal models as well. They will master the art of tissue processing for electron microscopy and array tomography, neural histology, stereological assessments of multiple immunostained tissue, and in situ hybridization. The responsibilities will include preparing tissue sections with neuropathological stains for diagnostic evaluation by Dr Frosch, Dr Oakley and Neuropathology fellows. The technician will maintain the data base and freezer logs for the tissue and biospecimen resource and mange the tissue bank on a day-to-day basis. The technician's research efforts will target neuropathologic basis of neurologic diseases.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support a variety of tasks that enable functionality of the national brain bank specific to our node. Process brain samples as required with a high degree of accuracy. Develop expertise on procedures, methodologies, and technologies and train as needed as new techniques, equipment, and methods are developed.

• Process brain bank tissue samples, a process including: dehydrate with appropriate graded alcohol, clear with xylene; impregnate with paraffin wax while using an automated tissue processor, embed specimens ensuring proper orientation, produce 4-micron sections using a microtome, collect sections on a glass slide, and able to monitor and ensure slides are dried for appropriate time
• Stain slides according to routine staining unless otherwise specified
• Examine slides with a microscope to ascertain that the results are satisfactory
• Be responsible for accurate records of blocks and slides produced. File slides and tissue blocks ensuring each is properly labeled

Process specimens as they are delegated to the node. Responsible for records of samples and distribution of samples.

• Receive specimens from specimen source and ensure proper identification including assigning a specimen number
• Remain up to date on trainings and processing procedures of specimens as they come in
• Keep database records of location of tissues in the freezers
• Support PIs by collecting specified regions of brain specimens to support research endeavors.

Support PIs using the issue and biospecimen bank with knowledge of common methodologies, experiments, analysis, technologies, and by developing knowledge of new technologies that are available.

Assist with the management of the tissue and biospecimen bank including monitoring equipment, supplies, and standing in as the lab manager on weekends.

• Perform quality assurance on equipment and apparatus. Review performance of the -80o C freezers on daily basis and document functionality
• Determine when prescribed techniques and apparatus are not meeting required quality standards. Request maintenance and repairs
• Catalogue, track, and procure supplies used in laboratory
• Scientific maintenance of the laboratory and organization of research material
• Work on the weekends and holidays including oversight of tissue donations, requesting repairs and maintenance without the support of the lab manager or faculty if needed
• Respond to off-hours emergencies (such as freezer failures)
• Be available for on call schedule rotation shared with other nodes

Qualifications
SKILLS:

• Ability to translate, adapt and apply science
  • Basic familiarity with lab protocols, equipment, and procedures
  • Preferred: Familiarity with basic tissue sample preparation and techniques
  • Analytical skills to resolve technical problems as they arise
• Must have manual dexterity and motor coordination for lab procedures
• Must be able to follow protocols, use equipment, and document results with increasing independence and requiring less supervision as time goes on
• Must be able to use pre-existing protocols and procedures to perform high quality manual L H&E and immunohistochemical stains
• Must be able to trouble shoot problems, and learn new protocols as required by specific projects
• Ability to communicate/coordinate well with other lab employees and members of other labs in the unit
• Computer literacy
  • Working knowledge of data management programs
  • Elementary word processing
• Ability to track competing deadlines and priorities

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science degree required - preferably in neuroscience, anatomy, biology, chemistry, or related fields.

EXPERIENCE:

Interest in brain studies required, any experience preferred.

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.

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