Sahay Laboratory
Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Center for Regenerative Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
Massachusetts General Hospital

Job Title:  Research Technologist.  Start date is September 2011.  2 year commitment is strongly preferred.

Looking for a highly motivated individual to join a new research program in neuroscience and stem cell biology that strives to make a transformative impact on psychiatric illnesses (See Sahay et al., Nature 2011, Sahay et al., Neuron 2011, Scobie et al., The Journal of Neuroscience 2009).  This position is ideal for candidates interested in the interface of basic and translational biomedical research, and is a unique opportunity for scientific growth, interacting in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment and for training in a variety of experimental approaches. 
 
Employing Department and Institution: Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital.

Minimum degree and field of knowledge:  B.S./B.A. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Recommended research experience:  2 years experience or more.  Prior experience with mice is essential. 

Duties:
The candidate is expected to independently carry out the daily activities of the laboratory with minimal supervision.  Duties include:
•    Mouse colony management and genotyping.
•    Responsibilities for a wide range of techniques including cell culture, animal behavioral testing and data analysis, stereological injections and surgeries, viral work, molecular biology, RNA work, and tissue histology. 
•    Assisting lab personnel with routine experiments.
•    Documenting, compiling, and analyzing information obtained from laboratory experiments.
•    Development of new experimental techniques and assays and familiarity with statistical analysis.
•    Systematic generation and maintenance of database/inventory of all lab supplies, plasmids, bacterial stocks, lab records and mouse colony.  Maintain compliance with safety, biohazard and radioactivity guidelines.  Communicates and coordinates with all lab members to ensure adherence to lab protocols.
•    Training of new lab members in various techniques.
•    Coordinate summer interns and organize lab outings, retreats, and other events.

Required Skills:
•    2 years of experience in a research laboratory (at least 1 year of full-time lab experience is preferred).
•    Must be highly motivated and organized, prudent in time management and capable of juggling multiple tasks and competing priorities. 
•    Must be very comfortable working with mice.
•    Quick to learn new skills on the job and work independently.
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem solving/analytical skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff and with external contacts in a fast paced environment.  Must be a team player.
•    Critical thinking skills and attention to detail are required. 
•    Oversees purchasing, inventories and maintenance of laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents and stock solutions. Communicates with vendors regarding service contracts, maintenance and repairs.

Interested candidates should submit a CV, brief summary statement outlining qualifications, expertise and career goals and contact information for 2 references by email to Dr. Amar Sahay (Sahay.Amar@mgh.harvard.edu).

MGH JOB ID: 2216842