Research Technician

General Overview:

The pioneering efforts of the Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory (HOL) have positively impacted the quality of life of many millions of patients through innovation and evidence-based medicine since its inception in 1969. The mission of the laboratory is to improve patient outcomes through materials science and clinical research with an emphasis on joint replacement surgery. HOL is part of the Orthopedic Surgery Department of the Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Research Technician position entails supporting our translational research program in implantable biomaterial development. Working under close supervision of senior personnel and the PI, primary responsibilities are to perform or assist in experiments for pre-clinical research projects involving rodents. This includes providing pre- and post-operative care, assisting in surgical and non-surgical procedures, performing and documenting routine health checks and accurate collection of protocol-specific measurements. Other responsibilities can include preparation of implantable materials and bacterial populations. General responsibilities are accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. Collaborates with veterinary and CCM staff. Ensures appropriate level of supplies and equipment is operational. Complies with IACUC and study protocols and laboratory guidelines.

Principle Duties and Responsiblities:

Working under the supervision of and in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel:

• Sets up and prepares experiments as directed
• Ensures supply of chemical and supplies related to small animal experiments
• Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, animals, instruments and equipment
• Participates in the preparation of implantable materials and their preparation for preclinical use such as sterilization
• Provides pre- and postsurgical routine care and procedure-specific care of rodents
• Coordinates with multiple sites where experiments are conducted and is responsible for transport of samples, data and animals
• Maintains pre-clinical research procedures and documents in accordance with laboratory standards
• Collects and records study data; maintains a lab notebook.
  • Blood sampling and analysis
  • Von Frey allodynia measurements
  • Gait video recording and analysis
  • Weight bearing recording
  • Preparation of retrieved biomaterials for analysis
  • Chemical, imaging and histological analysis of retrieved implants and biomaterials
• Maintains files/database and chronologies in good order.
• Track and coordinate activities to ensure timelines and commitments are met via assembling, operating and maintaining schedules related to preclinical studies
• Conducts analysis of results of results
• Prepares written and/or verbal reports for supervisor and/or senior research personnel
• Collaborate with supervisor(s) in writing and editing material for publication
• Orient and train new research technicians and/or interns

Skills/Abilities/Qualifications:

• High-level time management and organization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and display initiative
• Ability to identify and communicate problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Ability to prioritize tasks and set deadlines
• Ability to learn small animal protocols, regulations and ability to comply with and partner with IACUC requirements and staff
• High-level of computer literacy
• Demonstrated competence in preclinical research

Experience:

Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of directly related experience.
• An understanding of general lab operation

Preferred:

• Surgical experience with rodents

Working Conditions:

Office and lab environment