Research Technician I/II - Yuan Lab of the MGH Cardiovascular Research Center
 Massachusetts General Hospital | |
 United States, Massachusetts, Boston | |
| 149 13th Street (Show on map) | |
 Apr 24, 2025 | |
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The laboratory of Dr. Shiaulou Yuan in the MGH-Harvard Cardiovascular Research Center is seeking a full-time Research Technician (I or II) to perform zebrafish animal work, basic molecular biology, wet lab research, and lab managerial duties. The selected candidate will join a group of talented and motivated basic scientists whose work may advance our understanding of how the heart develops and the pathophysiology of congenital heart diseases and birth defects.
We are a multidisciplinary group of biologists, biophysicists, and microscopists who aim to understand how fluid flows and biophysical forces shape the developing heart and how these mechanisms underlie cardiac disease pathogenesis when gone awry. Specifically, we seek to illuminate how the cilium, a hair-like structure found on most cells in the human body, acts as an "antenna" to sense and translate extracellular signals into molecular processes that sculpt the early heart (Science, 2023). The penultimate goal of our research is to better understand cardiac development and diseases by combining state-of-the-art approaches from developmental biology, cell biology, genetics, biophysics, and microscopy in zebrafish, mice, and cell models. Specifically, the candidate will have the opportunity to be involved with a research project to elucidate the role of cilia in the heart by applying 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy, optical tissue clearing, and live cell imaging to zebrafish, mice, and human cells. Additionally, the candidate's primary responsibility is to perform day-to-day tasks (such as zebrafish husbandry, PCR genotyping, ordering supplies, updating lab protocols, and managing lab safety procedures) to ensure the smooth progression of the project. Furthermore, the candidate will be asked to assist with the management, maintenance, and care of zebrafish lines that are essential to the project. The candidate will receive weekly supervision from Dr. Yuan, and daily mentorship and training from Dr. Lydia Djenoune, an Instructor in the Yuan lab. The candidate must be comfortable handling zebrafish and working in a setting with delicate custom optical instruments. Previous experience with zebrafish, aquatic husbandry, microscopy, image analysis, molecular biology, and gene-editing techniques would be a significant plus. The candidate will also dedicate 10% of their time to handling general duties in the MGH-CNY Zebrafish Cooperative Core Facility. The ideal candidate will: (1) have prior research experience with zebrafish and/or Xenopus animal models, (2) have an undergraduate degree in biology, biophysics, bioengineering, or related fields, (3) have previous research experience in a wet laboratory, (4) prior training in one or more of the following techniques: PCR genotyping, immunofluorescence, light sheet or confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, quantitative image analysis, in situ hybridization, molecular cloning, and/or CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, (5) have a strong interest in developmental biology, cell biology, cardiovascular biology, and microscopy, (6) be capable of working as part of a team and also independently, and (7) have strong organizational and written and oral communication skills. This position offers excellent opportunities to work in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary research environment, interact with distinguished scientists and physicians at MGH-Harvard, and become a valued member of a fun and growing research team. Further, the candidate will benefit from opportunities to publish, attend research conferences, and receive guidance and support for future career choices. As a member of MGH, Harvard, and the Greater Boston scientific community, the Yuan laboratory is in a rich research environment for zebrafish genetics, cardiovascular biology, cilia signaling, and imaging technologies. As such, the candidate will be immersed in a productive scientific setting and have access to cutting-edge research tools. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A Research Technician II performs the duties of a Research Technician I (above) and may also:
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: *Candidate should be able to work independently, show initiative and confidence in making decisions, able to multitask, not easily stressed, and one who is not easily discouraged by failed experiments but enjoys a challenge *Ability to work independently and as a team member *Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (i.e. ability to report clearly performed tasks, collected results etc.) *Comfortable with computers and electronics *Ability to perform multiple tasks independently *Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping WORKING CONDITIONS: The candidate will work in a wet research laboratory on the Navy Yard research campus of the MGH-Harvard Cardiovascular Research Center. Experiments and routine duties will involve using zebrafish animals and aquatic facilities and may include using mice and tissue culture cells. EDUCATION: An undergraduate college degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Physics, or a related discipline is required EXPERIENCE: Oneyear ofanimal experiencein a wet laboratorysetting is stronglypreferred. Previous experience handling zebrafish is highly desirable. Must be comfortable working with zebrafish.Experience in microscopy, molecular biology, and biostatistical data analysis is preferred but not required. EEO STATEMENT: Massachusetts General Hospitalis anAffirmative ActionEmployer. 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 thatall individuals with a disability areprovidedareasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Physical Requirements
The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity 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. | |