Research Lab Technician I/II - Microbiome

Massachusetts General Hospital
$20.16 - $29.01
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
185 Cambridge Street (Show on map)
Jun 05, 2026
Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data. Does this position require Patient Care? No Essential Functions -Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures. -Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines. -Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed. -Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results. -Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods. -Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports. Education Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required Candidates who are in the process of completing their bachelor's degree have a grace period of six months from their hire date (up to 1 year if starting per diem) to provide degree equivalency verification. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes Licenses and Credentials Experience Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures. - Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments. - Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools. - Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively. - Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges. The Xavier Lab is seeking a Research Technician to contribute to studies of the gut microbiome and its role in human health and disease. Current projects investigate the ecological and functional properties of intestinal microbial communities, mechanisms governing host-microbe interactions, and the development of experimental approaches to understand how commensal bacteria influence inflammation, metabolism, and colonization resistance. Recent work from the lab has linked gut microbial metabolism to cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk in the Framingham Heart Study (PMID: 38569543), revealed how microbiota-driven immune responses shape intestinal biology (PMID: 39567686), and identified microbial communities that suppress pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae colonization (PMID: 39294375). These studies combine microbial cultivation, genomics, and host biology to understand mechanisms underlying human disease. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in hands-on microbiology and microbiome research, particularly the cultivation and characterization of anaerobic gut bacteria. The candidate should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of troubleshooting experimental challenges independently. This position provides training in microbiology, microbial ecology, anaerobic culturing, next-generation sequencing, and host-microbe interaction research. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute intellectually to projects, present findings at lab meetings, and participate in manuscript preparation. The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.