Laboratory Technician

Details

Posted: 02-Apr-24

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Research - Laboratory/Non-Laboratory
Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 5146543

Laboratory Technician
About the Opportunity
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
About the Opportunity
The Research on Integrated and Early Development (REID) Lab (www.reid-lab.com ), residing within the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University, invites applications for a full-time Lab Technician to begin August 2024.
The REID Lab and offices will be located in the heart of Boston, in the new, state-of-the-art ISEC building, which includes a brand-new research suite and neuroimaging center. Our research examines how human biology adapts to social and nutritional factors worldwide to support child development. Our mission is to combine psychobiology and nutrition research to understand how bodies and brains respond to the environment. We focus on the endocrine system, neurodevelopment, the immune system, nutrient metabolism, and behavior in infants, children, pregnant individuals, and adult caregivers. As part of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, there is ample opportunity for collaboration with other faculty and researchers of the Center.
As a research staff member, you'll receive formal mentoring in the lab to refine technical and intellectual research skills and gain valuable career planning and professional development support. This position offers valuable experience for those interested in scientific or clinical careers, including research, psychology, pediatrics, neuroscience, and data analytics. For exemplary lab technicians who want to work in the REID Lab long term, there is also the possibility of advancement to a lab coordinator.
Responsibilities
This position will be integral in founding and managing the lab, as well as all research activities. The lab technician responsibilities include:

• Building lab infrastructure (e.g., setting up computers, internal data storage systems, develop lab manual);
• Conducting research (e.g., helping to write IRBs, recruiting and enrolling infants / children / and adult study participants, data collection, management, and analysis - includes behavioral, biospecimen, neuroimaging, wearable, and online data, with possibility of disseminating results via conference posters, talks, and first-author manuscripts);
• Supporting lab research (e.g., assisting other lab members with developing study protocols, stimuli preparation, task design, data collection, manuscript and grant preparation);
• Building and supporting the lab community (e.g., facilitate lab communication and organizing events);
• Hiring and managing research staff (e.g., undergraduate research assistants, research coordinators); and
• Potential to gain experience with advanced quantitative methods, neuroimaging data, or complete an independent research project.

The Lab Technician will play a crucial role in designing and launching various studies, including a long-term NIH-funded project focusing on social experiences, behavior, and nutrition during pregnancy and infancy. This project investigates how stress during pregnancy can impact the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in both the pregnant individual and the baby. IDA, a condition caused by insufficient iron in the body, can lead to complications during pregnancy and affect the baby's brain development. The project's goal is to explore the underlying mechanisms, considering both biological and behavioral factors.
This project involves a range of activities, including laboratory and virtual stress assessments, online surveys, participant interviews, collection and processing of biological samples (such as salivary cortisol, blood-based nutrition and inflammation markers, and breast milk), lab assessments of caregiver-infant interactions, infant neurodevelopment evaluations (e.g., NICU Neurobehavioral Exam (NNNS), EEG, fMRI), and data from wearable devices like the Oura ring or similar devices.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree (or expected by September 1, 2024) in Psychology or a related field (e.g., Neuroscience, Nutrition, Public Health and allied fields, Biology), with an interest in studying pregnancy and infant development and/or wellbeing. Applicants must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with others (e.g., pregnant, infant, and child participants, families, other researchers). Applicants should be detail-oriented, motivated, efficient, and able to work independently. Due to our developmental focus and working with families, research staff may at times be expected to run participant sessions during evenings and weekends (with compensatory time off from normal work hours).
Though not required, strong applicants will have experience working with infants and pregnant adults (e.g., data collection or clinical experience), proficiency with statistical and programming languages/software (e.g., SPSS, R), as well as prior experience conducting empirical research in psychological science or related topics.
How to Apply
Candidates are invited to apply online at NU Careers. They must submit a CV and Cover Letter, along with the name and contact information of two referees who have worked with the applicant in a supervisory research role or related position. The Cover Letter should include the applicant's research interests (i.e., core research questions and projects completed, future interests and how they relate to the current position) and academic/technical training, including current skills and training goals. Please contact Dr. Reid at [email protected] if you have further questions. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to submissions received before March 1st, 2024. We especially encourage those from underrepresented groups in science to apply. Applications will not be accepted via email.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .
To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Laboratory-Technician_R122873
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About Northeastern University
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in worldwide experiential learning, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary research that meets global and societal needs. Our broad mix of experience-based education programs?our signature cooperative education program, as well as student research, service learning, and global learning?build the connections that enable students to transform their lives. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.
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