Research Technician II

Research Tech II supports the Genetics and Aging Research Unit (GARU) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) related to work on Alzheimer’s disease genetics. The Research Tech II will work under the supervision of the statistical geneticist and Instructor, but also will be part of a large dynamic research environment in the unit with the Director of GARU, Co-Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health, Co-Director of the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), and Vice-Chair of Neurology (Research).

The Research Tech II works with several rich genetic and phenotypic datasets (whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing) from biobanks and trait-specific cohorts to investigate risk and protective genetic factors of Alzheimer’s disease and aging. Our goal is to use genetics to identify protective mechanisms which allow individuals to develop resistance against Alzheimer’s disease.

• WGS, WES, scRNASeq and other -omics data organization and processing
• Creating, executing, and documenting quality control and analysis automated pipelines
• Apply computational, mathematical, and statistical methods and algorithms in cloud- or HPC- frameworks.
• Critically review and summarize results, contribute to publications

• Assist the PI(s) with determining the most suitable methodology
• Prepare written and/or verbal reports
• Organize and summarize acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques.
• Organize and/or draft material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts and other documents for publication and/or presentation.
• Participate in the design of experiments.
• Uses statistical and graphic summaries.
• Orients and trains new Research Technicians and Fellows.

• Knowledge of commonly used programming languages for bioinformatics analysis, such as R, Python and shell scripting
• High analytical skills, ability to learn new computational tools
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as a team member.
• Basic understanding of statistics and genetics
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High degree of computer literacy
• Familiarity with Unix-based systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to identify problems and develop solutions
• Ability to prioritize tasks and set deadlines

• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results

Bachelor’s degree required.

1 year of experience in a research-related field.

Preferred: Prior knowledge of statistical methods for genetic data analysis and experience with cloud-computing systems.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action 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.