Research Technician – Sabatini Lab

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

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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.

We are currently looking for a highly motivated, proactive Research Technician to join Dr. Bernardo Sabatini’s research laboratory team on-site at Harvard Medical School. The Sabatini lab seeks to uncover the mechanisms of synapse and circuit plasticity that permit new behaviors to be learned and refined. They are interested in the developmental changes that occur after birth that make learning possible as well as in the circuit changes that are triggered by the process of learning. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/

About the Research Technician role:
As the Research Technician, you will work primarily with Dr. Shijia Liu and Dr. Thomas Wheatcroft, two postdoctoral fellows, to investigate the neural mechanisms of flexible decision-making behaviors. The lab uses mice as a model to study action selection, motivation, and sensorimotor integration across a variety of motor behaviors. They use a wide range of techniques including optogenetics, pharmacology, electrophysiology, calcium-imaging, viral tracing, headfixed- and freely-moving behavior, to study how actions are chosen and terminated.

This position will provide you with an excellent opportunity for scientific learning, further development of research skills, and direct mentorship in a large, diverse, collegial lab – an ideal fit for a hardworking, passionate scientist who is looking for a robust 2+ year career experience with the lab before beginning graduate school, medical school, or the next step of their professional journey.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

• The opportunity to learn new techniques and expand your knowledge and skills

• Direct mentorship from Dr. Liu and Dr. Wheatcroft

• Joining the vibrant Harvard research community

• Opportunities for professional development and growth including the opportunity to attend seminars and contribute to research publications

• A welcoming, collaborative team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of trust, respect, and intellectual curiosity

What you’ll do:

• Performing mouse behavioral training experiments.

• Assisting with stereotaxic surgeries for precise delivery of cells and viral vectors into the brain.

• Perfusion, dissection and slicing.

• RNA in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

• Mouse colony management and husbandry.

• Imaging acquisition, data analysis and graphing.

• General lab operations support including lab supply maintenance.

• Analyzing data, formulating conclusions, and presenting results as needed.

• Actively contributing to weekly laboratory meetings and regular planning sessions. 

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or the biological sciences is required.

• One year of previous hands-on research experience working in a laboratory is preferred.

• Comfort and willingness to work with live mice on a daily basis as well as performing survival and non-survival procedures is required.

• Experience in one or more of the following techniques is preferred: mouse stereotaxic surgery, behavior, histological preparations, and/or mouse colony management.

• Any experience with programming in MATLAB or Python 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.

• Proactive and self-motivated mentality with an eagerness to learn and grow.

• Strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with current technologies used in a laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$17.72 (minimum) – $22.16 (midpoint) – $28.77 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer