Technical Research Asst II

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (PI: Sabina Berretta), at McLean Hospital, seeks a scientifically minded researcher with excellent organization skills and attention to detail to join our teams as a Research Assistant II (RA). The RA will, under general supervision, assist in research investigating the molecular mechanisms of brain disorders in the human brain to gain further understanding of debilitating human psychiatric disorders such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression and PTSD. This role will include dissections of human brain samples, molecular/wet lab and data driven approaches. Applicants should have a strong interest in preclinical as well as translational neuroscience. This is a two-year position with a potential for non-competitive renewal for later years, contingent upon performance and funding.

The Berretta Lab focuses on the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, focusing on their molecular and genetic underpinnings. Dr. Berretta is also the Director of the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center. Her lab utilizes human postmortem tissue in combination with a diverse set of methods, including histochemistry, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization in combination with light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy to investigate the extracellular matrix in the brain.

OVERVIEW STATEMENT: McLean Hospital is a comprehensive psychiatric hospital committed to providing easy access to superior quality, cost-effective mental health services in the Boston area, Massachusetts and beyond. Since 1811, McLean Hospital has been a world leader in the treatment of mental illness and chemical dependency, research into the cause of mental illness and the training of generations of mental health care providers. McLean's multidisciplinary programs treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses across the full continuum of care.

All McLean team members are expected to consistently demonstrate our values of integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, teamwork, excellence and innovation in their work activities and interactions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The RA will work independently and cover a wide range of responsibilities, which is an outstanding opportunity to gain deeper insights into translational psychiatry including clinical and preclinical research approaches. Major job duties may include:

• Process tissue samples (including dissecting postmortem human brain samples, sectioning with a microtome/cryostat, and immunohistochemistry)

• Process clinical data including digitalization of paper documents
• Perform DNA, RNA and protein extraction and analysis techniques (including western blots, PCR and qPCR)
• Run statistical analyses on collected data
• Perform general lab upkeep, such as preparing shared solutions and maintaining a clean and tidy work environment
• Manage email and schedule
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be able to make independent, effective decisions in appropriate situations
• Must have an aptitude for technical problem solving
• Ability to effectively supervise others
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure smooth functioning of lab
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to logically sequence projects to maximize research
• Must possess aptitude for compliance management

• EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 1 year of research experience

• EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required. A degree in the neuroscience field is a plus.
• Training in computational neuroscience strongly preferred.

McLean 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.