Primary Work Address: 25 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138

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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.

The lab of Dr. Kara McKinley at Harvard University studies the uterus to advance reproductive health and regenerative medicine. The human endometrium regenerates robustly ~400 times over the reproductive lifespan, rendering it an exceptional resource to identify mechanisms of regeneration. Understanding the remarkable biology of the uterus is critical to address the longstanding unmet needs of hundreds of millions of patients around the world. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://www.mckinleylab.org/

This position is expected to begin on/around September 1st, 2023 in concurrence with Dr. McKinley’s upcoming appointment as a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar .

About the Research Technician, Mouse Colony role:
As the Research Technician, you will be responsible for managing the mouse colony and all associated tasks related to that effort. Additionally, you will be assisting other members of the team with various experiments in support of the lab’s research goals. This position will provide you with an excellent opportunity for scientific learning, further development of your skills, and opportunities for collaboration in an intellectually stimulating environment. This would be an ideal position for a hardworking, experienced technician who is looking for a stable long-term career experience in a vibrant, growing, and collegial lab.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

• The opportunity to learn new scientific approaches expand your knowledge and skills

• Joining the vibrant Harvard research community

• Access to HHMI’s Udemy on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars taught by members of our learning and organization development team

• Working with an investigator that has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• The opportunity to develop new approaches in an emerging model rodent, the spiny mouse

• Working with a dynamic team committed to making important discoveries regarding female reproductive health and the biology of the uterus

What you’ll do:

• Manage all aspects of day-to-day maintenance and husbandry for the lab’s mouse colony and spiny mouse (Acomys ) colony

• Perform genotyping and PCR on the mice

• Collaborate with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students to perform animal experiments including surgery and the development of new techniques in Mus and Acomys

• Alongside the PI, amend IACUC protocols when necessary

• Alongside other team members, support day-to-day lab operations including ordering and general lab upkeep as needed

What you bring:

• A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences or equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates who do not have a bachelor’s degree are welcome and encouraged to apply as long as they have the required mouse colony management experience and meet all other qualifications for the position.

• Strong understanding of basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, genotyping, etc.).

• Experience managing a mouse colony in a research laboratory is required.

• Experience with histology 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

• Proficient computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

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

$42,900.00 (minimum) - $53,700.00 (midpoint) - $69,740.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

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