Research Technician - Gu Lab

Overview

Primary Work Address:
Dept. of Genetics, Boston, MA, 02115

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The lab of Dr. Chenghua Gu at Harvard Medical School studies the interface of the nervous and vascular systems. Their mission is to understand the cellular and physiological mechanisms underlying the unique neurovascular interactions including the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular coupling, and to harness their discoveries for therapeutics. More information on the lab team and their work can be found by visiting their website.

Are you interested in studying the blood-brain barrier and how inflammation influences brain function? Within the Gu lab, the neuroimmunology subgroup studies immune signaling at the blood-brain barrier during infection and inflammation. As the Research Technician, Neuroimmunology, you will work closely with a Physician Scientist to study these immune signaling networks using a variety of imaging strategies, mouse genetics, immunophenotyping, as well as other cell and molecular biology techniques.

The team consists of PhD and MD-PhD trainees and postdocs at all levels. The ideal candidate will be well-organized, self-motivated, and demonstrate responsibility.

During your time as a member of the Gu lab team, you will gain experience with the scientific method, experimental design, leadership, and time management, and have the freedom to implement your own ideas to help to accelerate scientific projects. Additionally, there are many opportunities for career development and academic growth within the Gu lab and the larger Harvard Medical School system.

This would be an ideal position for a passionate, hardworking individual who is looking for a robust career experience of at least 2 years before transitioning to the next chapter of their educational or professional journey.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• The opportunity to join the vibrant Harvard Medical School research community
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities, including potential contributions to research publications
• Opportunities to present work within the lab and to the broader institutional community
• Exposure to translational biology and pre-medical research experiences
• Opportunities to interface with clinical research and care within the hospital system, including potential shadowing experiences

• Molecular biology (plasmid cloning, gene editing, viral construct building etc.)
• Biochemistry (western blot, ELISA)
• Tissue culture (transfection, viral infection, primary cell culture)
• Histology (immunostaining, EM, tissue clearance, etc.)
• Imaging and imaging analysis (confocal, super resolution, slide scanner, etc.) and cell profiling and other imaging tools for analysis
• Cell sorting including flow cytometry, FACS, and MACS
• Mouse genetics and animal models of disease and inflammation
• Become knowledgeable about safety protocols and precautions in the lab
• Attend and participate in weekly lab meetings

• A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences is required
• 1-2 years of previous experience working in a research laboratory is required
• Strong understanding of foundational molecular biology techniques is required
• Experience with animal husbandry would be a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively both as part of a subgroup team and as part of the larger lab team
• Proactive, professional, and self-motivated approach to work with an eagerness to learn and grow
• Computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

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