Career Opportunities

CURRENT OPENINGS

Senior Research Support Associate, Chung Lab
Research Engineer, Chung Lab
Technical Associate I, Chung Lab
Technical Associate I, Gehrke Lab
Technical Associate I, Shalek Lab
Administrative Assistant II
Administrative Assistant II

Senior Research Support Associate, Chung Lab – Job ID #15886

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, to assist with general operational and research-related tasks within an experimental neuroscience/engineering laboratory working with stem cells, clinical samples, and microfluidics. General operational tasks include: maintaining inventory, maintaining stem cell cultures, material fabrication, tissue processing, 3D imaging, and other laboratory or experimental tasks as needed. The opportunity to contribute to or lead projects is available as competency in various skills is demonstrated. Will work under the supervision of the postdocs and principal investigator.

REQUIREMENTS: A B.S. in bioengineering, biology, neuroscience or a related field preferred. At least 1 year experience working in a laboratory setting is desirable. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is critical. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are required. Ability to troubleshoot experimental obstacles and exhibit good moral judgment. Cell culture experience and computer skills in Microsoft Office or other computer programming software are highly desirable.

Please apply to the position using job #15886 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.

Research Engineer, Chung Lab – Job ID #16546

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Professor Chung’s Lab is seeking a Research Engineer to work to support ongoing research in the Chung lab and to find solutions to improve our technologies and processes. The Chung Lab is an interdisciplinary research team devoted to developing and applying novel technologies (e.g. CLARITY) for integrative and comprehensive understanding of large-scale complex biological systems. Specifically, they develop a host of methods that enable rapid extraction of system-wide structural, molecular, and genomic information from intact tissues. Furthermore, they combine these technologies with physiological and behavioral approaches to study function and dysfunction of mammalian brain as well as other organs. The Chung Lab hopes that their novel techniques provide unforeseen opportunities for deeper understanding of biological systems. The lab is seeking to hire a Research Engineer to undertake engineering design, fabrication, and quality control in support of their new specialized research instruments.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for design, engineering, fabrication, and maintenance of new specialized research instruments.
Responsible for finding and maintaining manufacturing contacts for the fabrication of the specialized research instruments.
Performs ongoing quality control of the experiments involving aforementioned specialized research instruments to ensure fidelity and credibility of results produced with the specialized research instruments.
Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains functionality of multiple instruments and recommends changes to user manuals and operating procedures as needed.
Responsible for preparation and execution of experiments, including preparation of buffers, reagents, and tissue samples.
Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains functionality of multiple instruments and recommends changes to user manuals and operating procedures as needed.
Organizes all data acquired from experiments and performs necessary data processing for quantitative and qualitative analysis using a variety of tools (ImageJ, Imaris, Python)
Provides comprehensive technical support for researchers and their projects.
Plans, executes, and documents quality control for all experiments; regularly consolidates this data and provides reports to PI.
Records test results and other metrics during operation of the instruments; this data is documented into a database and then analyzed using statistical methodology.
May coordinate multiple separate research-related projects simulateneously.
Responsible for evaluation of instruments and the design, engineering and fabrication of improved prototypes required for operation. This includes, but is not limited to, finding and maintaining manufacturing contacts for the fabrication of components, prototypes and accessories, as well as performing in-house fabrication when possible.

Requirements: A Master’s degree in biomedical engineering (or related field) required and equivalent to three years of device design and fabrication experience. Knowledge of Python a plus. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is critical. Superb attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills, solid organizational and planning skills, and self-motivation are required. Ability to troubleshoot experiments independently, multi-task, carefully document work in written records and work in a fast paced and dynamic research environment.

Please apply to the position using job #16546 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.

Technical Associate I, Chung Lab – Job ID #16545

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Professor Chung’s Lab is seeking a Technical Associate I to work to support ongoing research in the Chung lab and to find solutions to improve our technologies and processes. The Chung Lab is an interdisciplinary research team devoted to developing and applying novel technologies (e.g. CLARITY) for integrative and comprehensive understanding of large-scale complex biological systems. Specifically, they develop a host of methods that enable rapid extraction of system-wide structural, molecular, and genomic information from intact tissues. Furthermore, they combine these technologies with physiological and behavioral approaches to study function and dysfunction of mammalian brain as well as other organs. The Chung Lab hopes that their novel techniques provide unforeseen opportunities for deeper understanding of biological systems. The lab is seeking to hire a Technical Associate I to aide ongoing improvements to our specialized research instrumentation by undertaking engineering and design improvements and providing technical support on various research projects.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists with design, engineering, fabrication, and maintenance of new specialized research instruments.
Provides comprehensive technical support for researchers and their projects, from developing helpful tools to processing samples.
Assists with ongoing quality control of the experiments involving aforementioned specialized research instruments to ensure fidelity and credibility of results produced with the specialized research instruments.
Routine imaging of samples on specialized microscopes, as well as the management and processing of large datasets generated during imaging.
Responsible for preparation and execution of experiments, including preparation of buffers, reagents, and tissue samples.
Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains functionality of multiple instruments and recommends changes to user manuals and operating procedures as needed.
Plans, executes, and documents quality control for all experiments; regularly consolidates this data and provides reports to PI.
May coordinate multiple separate research-related projects simultaneously.
Responsible for evaluation of instruments and the design, engineering and fabrication of improved prototypes required for operation. This includes, but is not limited to, finding and maintaining manufacturing contacts for the fabrication of components, prototypes and accessories.

Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering (or related field) required, and at least two years of research experience (inclusive of undergraduate work). Additional experience with device design and fabrication is preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is critical. Superb attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills, solid organizational and planning skills, and self-motivation are required. Ability to troubleshoot experiments independently, multi-task, carefully document work in written records and work in a fast paced and dynamic research environment.

Please apply to the position using job #16545 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.

Technical Associate I, Gehrke Lab – Job ID #16591

Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), to join a team of three laboratories developing novel two-dimensional and three-dimensional models for human infectious diseases.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

With a high level of independence performs laboratory research experiments including growing and differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells that are subsequently infected with human viruses to experimentally explore host-pathogen interactions
Conducts both standard and specialized laboratory techniques. Standard techniques would include gel electrophoresis and thermal cycling quantification of nucleic acids using polymerase chain reaction technology. Specialized techniques the growth, storage, and differentiation of multiple human cell types from human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells. Specialized techniques include the use of immunohistochemistry or fluorescence activated cell sorting to identify specific biomarkers that define specific cell types.
Collects data from experiments, improves protocols, and analyzes data using appropriate statistical software. Presents data analysis to other lab members at lab meetings.
Coordinates multiple research related projects. Is the key stem cell technical contact in a three-laboratory MIT collaboration, and coordinates the availability of key reagents used in experiments conducted by the three laboratories.
Prepares complex mixtures of cell culture media, requiring careful attention to detail for reproducible results.
Maintains inventories of common laboratory supplies, especially the specialized cell culture media that are required for expanding and differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Responsible for creating a database, managing and maintaining it with a software package called “Freezer Pro”, which is a database of stem cells, as well as cells that are differentiated from human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Ensures safety standards and procedures are followed. Prepares lab for inspections and corrects problems; ensures biohazard waste disposal occurs following policies and procedures.
Participates in onboarding new staff to the lab and training individuals in the use of cell culture facilities, liquid nitrogen storage, blood borne pathogens safety, and equipment usage in the laboratory.
Assesses equipment needs and schedules maintenance and repairs including responsibility for ensuring that all equipment is functional. Monitors laboratory liquid nitrogen storage tanks, CO2 tanks, cell culture media supplies, and the pico pure water system. Trouble-shoots and makes recommendations to solve equipment issues; works with vendors and maintains equipment service contract and records; researches and recommends purchase of specialized equipment.
Participates actively in modification of protocols and experimental strategies; initiates and recommends changes to manuals and procedures
May co-author articles and/or manuscripts.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree of science degree in a field related to biology, chemistry or bioengineering, related laboratory experience, and a minimum of two years of specialized lab experience. Experience with sterile technique and cell culture is essential. Prior experience in working with stem cells is highly desirable. The individual must have excellent communications skills and the ability to work productively as a member of a team. Very strong organizational skills are essential to inventory all cells and record passage numbers. The successful candidate must have strong critical thinking skills with attention to detail, self-direction, motivation, and an ability to respond to a rapidly evolving work environment involving concurrent projects and responsibilities. Prior virus work and virology background are preferred. Laboratory experience in mammalian cell culture, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry preferred. Prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry is desirable.

This is a one year appointment with possibility of renewal contingent upon grant funding.

Please apply to the position using job #16591 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.

Technical Associate I, Shalek Lab – Job ID #16644

POSITION DESCRIPTION: TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE I, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), to join the Shalek Lab (MIT, Broad Institute and Ragon Institute), which specializes in leveraging novel single-cell genomic approaches to understand the behaviors of complex biological systems. For this position there will be a specific focus in human cancers, both liquid (e.g. leukemias and lymphomas) and solid (e.g. pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma) tumors. Research questions will center on drug resistance but also extend to studies of initial tumor formation and how cancer cells communicate and interact with their microenvironment. Will work under the direct supervision of Professor Alex Shalek and within the community of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other technicians in the lab. The core technique learned and applied will be Seq-Well, an in-house and customizable platform for single cell RNA-sequencing scRNA-seq library generation from thousands of cells in parallel. The project will entail careful consideration of study design, interfacing with clinical teams, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), RNA-seq library preparation, next generation sequencing (NGS), data analysis in R, interpreting and contextualizing findings, and communicating results to the lab and larger community.

The position offers an opportunity to gain fundamental skills working in an interdisciplinary and technologically driven environment and to gain access to the intellectual resources available across all three institutes. The ideal candidate is driven to understand tumor biology and therapy resistance through a single-cell lens and is interested in pursuing further postgraduate education in a related field.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, preferably with course work in (cancer) biology, immunology, chemistry, and/or genomics, and at least two years of bench experience which may include undergraduate work. Must have strong time management, communication and problem solving skills, demonstrated problem solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of R (and/or other programming languages) is desirable.

This is a one year appointment with possibility of renewal contingent upon grant funding.

Please apply to the position using job #16644 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.

Administrative Assistant II – Job ID #16656

Under minimal supervision, provide comprehensive administrative support for two professors and their research groups in the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with the preparation and organization of materials for courses such as assisting with updating and compiling course reading materials, editing Powerpoint presentations, and working with Copytech on copyright information. Maintain course website.
Respond to inquiries requiring a broad understanding of work-area policies and procedures. Provide explanations and instructions and ensure inquiries are addressed and resolved.
Update faculty members’ CVs and maintain up to date list of their publications. Compose and edit internal correspondence and documents. Assist with layout and graphics for research manuscripts. Design PowerPoint presentations from established content.
Use Web software to input, update, and maintain Web content including the lab websites and develop a template for all project pages.
Following budgetary guidelines, monitor and order supplies and equipment. Select vendors. Process journal vouchers, requisitions, and purchase orders using SAP. Process requests for payment and invoices. Use signature and purchasing authorization as appropriate.
Monitor and reconcile accounting statements in compliance with financial review and control. Investigate and follow up on purchasing/accounting discrepancies. In conjunction with Finance office, assist with the monitoring and reconciling of research and discretionary accounts in SAP. Prepare and approve purchasing and accounting forms; approve Procurement card transactions; submit FRCs monthly.
Assist faculty with the preparation of grant proposals and coordinates pre- and post-grant award management, including tracking submission deadlines for funding requests, renewals and annual reports.
Schedule appointments and meetings. Coordinate events, such as research group meetings, seminars, conference logistics, luncheons and recreational activities for the labs and class trips. Duties include reserving space, scheduling presenters, ordering refreshments, preparing materials, and advertising. Prepare complex itineraries for multiple constituents.
Manage complex domestic and international travel arrangements. Process travel reimbursements using Concur. Coordinate logistics for attendance at conferences for staff as well as internal and external sponsor visits including hotel, transportation and visa, if applicable.
Resolve problems in a thorough and timely manner, including basic computer problems.
Gather information and submit requests for visiting and postdoctoral appointments. Draft appointment letters. Assist with orienting and training new students, staff, and visitors. (For example, provide guidance on the Institute procedures for ordering research materials.)
Assist in upkeep of the space, including overseeing the maintenance of office equipment, and setting up and maintaining common areas.
Create filing systems and monitor for efficiency. Maintain records such as travel vouchers and research grants/contracts. Initiates changes and updates to manuals and procedures for own area. Train others regarding policies and procedures.
Deal with confidential issues using discretion and judgment.
Proactively seek training and development opportunities to improve and update skills in order to better support faculty.
Perform other administrative, financial, and clerical duties as necessary to support faculty activities, including: distribute mail, coordinate mass mailings, photocopy, library and Internet searches.

Requirements:

Education: High School education or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three years secretarial, office, or related experience.

Strong oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with people at all levels;. Strong customer service and attention to detail. Ability to maintain confidentiality, learn new skills and balance priorities across simultaneous projects. Proficiency with MS Office and ability to learn new software applications. Adobe, Endnote, Stellar, SAP, and web design software experience preferred. Proactive, self-motivated, and resourceful individual who is able to work independently as well as on a team. Prior MIT experience helpful.

Please apply to the position using job #16656 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.

Administrative Assistant II – Job ID #16753

Under minimal supervision, provide comprehensive administrative support for three professors and their research groups in the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with the preparation and organization of materials for courses such as assisting with updating and compiling course reading materials, editing Powerpoint presentations, and working with Copytech on copyright information. Maintain course website.
Respond to inquiries requiring a broad understanding of work-area policies and procedures. Provide explanations and instructions and ensure inquiries are addressed and resolved.
Update faculty members’ CVs and maintain up to date list of their publications. Compose and edit internal correspondence and documents. Assist with layout and graphics for research manuscripts. Design PowerPoint presentations from established content.
Use Web software to input, update, and maintain Web content including the lab websites and develop a template for all project pages.
Following budgetary guidelines, monitor and order supplies and equipment. Select vendors. Process journal vouchers, requisitions, and purchase orders using SAP. Process requests for payment and invoices. Use signature and purchasing authorization as appropriate.
Monitor and reconcile accounting statements in compliance with financial review and control. Investigate and follow up on purchasing/accounting discrepancies. In conjunction with Finance office, assist with the monitoring and reconciling of research and discretionary accounts in SAP. Prepare and approve purchasing and accounting forms; approve Procurement card transactions; submit FRCs monthly.
Assist faculty with the preparation of grant proposals and coordinates pre- and post-grant award management, including tracking submission deadlines for funding requests, renewals and annual reports.
Schedule appointments and meetings. Coordinate events, such as research group meetings, seminars, conference logistics, luncheons and recreational activities for the labs and class trips. Duties include reserving space, scheduling presenters, ordering refreshments, preparing materials, and advertising. Prepare complex itineraries for multiple constituents.
Manage complex domestic and international travel arrangements. Process travel reimbursements using Concur. Coordinate logistics for attendance at conferences for staff as well as internal and external sponsor visits including hotel, transportation and visa, if applicable.
Resolve problems in a thorough and timely manner, including basic computer problems.
Gather information and submit requests for visiting and postdoctoral appointments. Draft appointment letters. Assist with orienting and training new students, staff, and visitors. (For example, provide guidance on the Institute procedures for ordering research materials.)
Assist in upkeep of the space, including overseeing the maintenance of office equipment, and setting up and maintaining common areas.
Create filing systems and monitor for efficiency. Maintain records such as travel vouchers and research grants/contracts. Initiates changes and updates to manuals and procedures for own area. Train others regarding policies and procedures.
Deal with confidential issues using discretion and judgment.
Perform other administrative, financial, and clerical duties as necessary to support faculty activities, including: distribute mail, coordinate mass mailings, photocopy, library and Internet searches.

Requirements:

Education: High School education or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three years secretarial, office, or related experience.

Please apply to the position using job #16753 through the MIT jobs portal at http://jobs.mit.edu.