The Senior Research Scientist is a highly skilled scientific professional who uses extensive research experience to independently develop and execute laboratory research studies to support the laboratory's research endeavors. Effectively determines and guides research support for projects, including protocols, work of technical staff and equipment purchases. Serves as an operational and scientific leader within the laboratory setting. Collaborates with others on cooperative projects and to ensure appropriate of advancement of the research occurs.
Research Projects
Conducts experiments and performs routine and technically advanced assays as needed.
Participates in and/or leads the development and investigation of new procedures, assays, and/or instrumentation.
Utilizes specialized experiments, such as Cytof and single cell RNASeq, with independence.
Contributes to improvements in experimental protocols and techniques.
Applies advanced understanding of scientific principles and techniques to assist others in the development of research protocols.
Maintains records on cell lines, vectors, DNA sequences and antibodies.
Maintains human tumor bank (PBMC, FFPE, frozen tissue, TILs).
Monitors literature for novel science and investigates these studies for application to research projects
Prepares complex and innovative analyses of study data.
Participates in the preparation of data and text for presentation and publication. Publishes as first author.
Operations
Advises lab staff and fellows on technical procedures, techniques and equipment, and maintains conformance with specific operational standards.
Utilizes a broad range of laboratory experiences to devise innovative methods to address unique needs within the lab's operations.
Trains and supervises the activity of laboratory technicians and post-doctoral fellows with new techniques and protocols; provide feedback to staff regarding competency
Develops and implements laboratory(s) policies and procedures in conjunction with the PI. Writes, updates and maintains laboratory protocols and safety guidelines. Maintains MAPS, Standard Operating Procedures.
Coordinates the MTA process and ensures appropriate administrative processing, including completing and filing forms as well as following through on material requested in or out of the laboratory.
Installs and maintains laboratory equipment in compliance with federal regulations. Develops and implements quality assurance programs relating to calibration and maintenance of equipment; monitors and troubleshoots equipment, referring to PI as needed. Resolves technical problems.
Sources and negotiates equipment purchases and related service contracts.
Coordinates lab schedules for meetings and presentations.
Laboratory Leadership
Presents research at scientific forums
Participates in the development of funding opportunities, identifying and investigating sources and participating in the preparation of grant applications, including data, information and materials.
Collaborates with the PI and others to set the direction of research projects in the lab
Partners with team to ensure research projects within the lab move the overall research forward
Represent the lab on departmental and hospital committees and workgroups
Serves as leader within the scientific and operational aspects of the lab
Serves as subject matter expert regarding immunology and immunotherapy
Serves as mentor and scientific advisor to lab personnel
Qualifications
PhD or MD required in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
7 or more years of post-graduate work experience in laboratory research, preferably within a large, academic setting.
Must have proficiency in laboratory methods of molecular biology or immunology, and experience with LSRII, Cytof, or single cell RNASeq preferred. Animal skills for treatment, tumor measurement and imaging required.
Expert knowledge of laboratory research practices, protocols, equipment, safety and regulations and able to apply this understanding to the development of experiments and overall laboratory research
Proficient in routine to complex laboratory techniques with the ability to execute novel procedures; has the scientific acumen to develop new procedures and directions in area of study
Able to work with animals in a research setting and in compliance with regulatory guidelines
Aptitude for and technical problem solving; technical skills to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.
Able to instruct and oversee the work of others; able to serve as mentor and scientific advisor
Ability to be a leader within an academic research environment and to work collaboratively with other scientific personnel for the advancement of the lab's research program; effectively work with administrators to support lab operations
Strong organizational skills to coordinate routine to complex lab operations and formulate and complete time tables; able to complete projects within a given timeline, collaborating with the PI and others to resolve any roadblocks
Excellent oral and written skills; skilled in technical documentation and analysis with the ability to document and send weekly reports (and work plans for the upcoming week
Serves as a role model for excellent work habits demonstrating attention to detail, productivity, timeliness and responsiveness along with adaptability to a changing work environment
Financial ability to cost-effectively evaluate and make purchases of equipment and other supplies
Strong interpersonal skills to negotiate on behalf of the lab
Works safely and properly uses personal protective equipment; able to ensure this of others.
Proficient in Office and database software
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
