Research Associate II - Zhang Lab

The Zhang Lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is looking for a full-time Research Associate with a passion for learning to join our creative, diverse, and dynamic research team. The Zhang lab is broadly focused on developing programmable therapeutics and working to improve human health and wellbeing. Examples of this work include biodiscovery efforts to discover and engineer novel biological systems for use as molecular tools, development of new modes of gene and protein delivery, and exploring ways to engineer physiology to combat disease and maintain healthy homeostasis.

This position will be focused on our engineering physiology efforts and will require extensive work with animal models (including surgeries, behavioral assays, etc). It offers an excellent opportunity to directly participate in an exciting and fast-paced field of research. The successful candidate will work closely with a small team of scientists, learning a variety of laboratory skills, including cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, cellular and immunology assays, small animal work, and rigorous data analysis. Beyond the bench, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to develop scientific communication skills, both written and oral, and learn how to tackle complex scientific problems.

Ideal candidates demonstrate deep intellectual curiosity, have strong organizational and communication skills, work well in teams, and desire to strive for excellence. Previous experience working with mice is required. The Zhang lab is a member of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the McGovern Institute at MIT, and a part of the greater Boston life-science community including MIT and Harvard. Our lab is a fun, generous, nurturing, stimulating, fast-paced, impact-driven, and collaborative environment. We are a unique multidisciplinary lab working to bridge fundamental biology and development of biotechnology to improve human health.

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard offers an outstanding place to work. The workplace culture is diverse, dynamic, progressive, and supports a healthy work-life balance. To support this mission, the Zhang Lab strives for a workplace culture that supports diversity, intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and integrity. Broad employees receive a generous benefits package (including a highly competitive salary, dental, vision and health insurance, retirement plan, and additional benefits) and a range of possibilities for career advancement. Details on our benefits package can be found here.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Zhang lab mouse colony, including maintaining an inventory system for the lab as well as breeding and genotyping animals

• Perform routine mouse procedures, including blood collection, surgeries, and behavioral assays

• Maintain procedure room for animal work

• Design and execute research plans, analyze data, and communicate scientific results to team members at regular project update meetings

• Perform molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid purification, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA purification, PCR, and gel electrophoresis

• Develop and execute cell-based assays to validate delivery vehicles both in vitro and in vivo

• Prepare next generation sequencing libraries and analyze the results

• Work dynamically and flexibly with team members to move projects forward, and pitch in around lab when needed

• Troubleshoot scientific problems with guidance

• Prepare, order, and maintain stocks of necessary reagents and supplies

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in molecular/cellular biology, neurobiology, chemistry, or a related field with lab experience

• Experience working with mice

• Ability to critically read, interpret, and adapt scientific literature

• Strong organization, documentation, and time management skills

• Ability to build excellent working relationships and foster collaboration in a team environment