Research Lab Tech I, Hematology - Boston, United States - Partners Healthcare System

Description

The Hollenhorst Lab applies innovative biochemical strategies to study clinically relevant questions regarding the proteins that regulate bleeding and clotting.

The goal is to further our understanding of the basic biology of hemostasis and thrombosis with an eye towards questions directly relevant to the care of patients.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to perform experiments under the supervision of the principal investigator or senior lab member.

The selected candidate will perform western blots, immunoprecipitation, protein purification, and prepare samples for mass spectrometry analysis.

The individual will work with a high degree of independence, organize notebooks and manage data, and perform other laboratory experiments relevant for understanding platelets and coagulation factors.

Ideal candidates will have training in wet lab techniques, strong organizational skills, and be motivated to further their career by learning and adopting new skills.

While applicants from diverse backgrounds and career stages are welcome, this position is a particularly good fit for individuals who seek a 1-2 year research experience prior to applying to PhD and/or MD programs.

The principal investigator will provide direct mentorship and long-term career advice.

For individuals with an interest in gaining clinical experience in advance of applying to medical school, the principal investigator will provide shadowing opportunities.

Research Environment

The Hollenhorst laboratory is located in the Harvard Institutes of Medicine building, 4 Blackfan Circle, in the center of the Longwood Medical Area.

Our primary affiliations are the Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Hematology and Harvard Medical School.

The laboratory works closely with the National Center for Functional Glycomics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and is affiliated with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Harvard Chemical Biology PhD Program.

These institutions and programs house scientific and clinical experts in a wide variety of areas, enabling interactions with a myriad of collaborators and communities.

We have access to state-of-the-art core facilities for glycomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, etc. These rich resources allow laboratory members to thrive in a supportive and well-equipped environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine experiments, which are moderate to complex, with increasing independence. These include western blot, immunoprecipitation, protein purification by liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, and preparation of samples for mass spectrometry analysis. (Prior training in these techniques is helpful but is NOT required.)
• Process platelets and plasma samples from donors and patients.
• Maintain long-term tissue cultures of human cell lines, monitor cells for viability and contamination.
• Maintain a detailed electronic laboratory notebook to reproduce experiments precisely.
• Consult with the principal investigator and implement adjustments in experimental design.
• Prepare laboratory reagents and chemicals, organize storage. Meticulously maintain and update databases of laboratory supplies and storage. Order new supplies on time to maintain inventory.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, if necessary.
• Become proficient in Excel, FlowJo, and GraphPad Prism as needed analyze and critically evaluate data.
• Present data and relevant research publications in lab meetings. Help to prepare presentations and written articles for publication.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment with frequent work with toxic chemicals, biohazards, bloodborne pathogens, and substances emitting unpleasant odors.
• Work requires frequent standing, walking and frequent lifting or carrying supplies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Previous experience (6 months ) with techniques in experimental biology, chemistry and/or biochemistry - highly preferred.
• Previous work experience in an academic basic science laboratory - highly preferred.

Skills/abilities/competencies required:

• A positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
• Comfortable with working independently and in a team. Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn and perform a variety of laboratory protocols, to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to logically present data.
• Sound judgment regarding time-management and laboratory safety.