Classification:
Exempt
Job Family:
Technicians
Reports to:
Director, Functional Genomics Platform
Job Description Summary:
The Functional Genomics Platform is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual with boundless curiosity who is interested in supporting the development and execution of pooled screening projects that answer diverse scientific questions using lentiviral delivery of (primarily) the CRISPR-Cas9 system.
Our core group is small, but we work collaboratively and closely with other Whitehead researchers on a collection of truly exciting projects.
The environment is dynamic and provides ample opportunity for professional development and for building a strong technical toolkit.
The Whitehead Institute believes diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are integral to its values and mission.
As a research Institute dedicated to improving human health through biomedical science, we believe that diverse thought invokes creative inquiry, drives innovation, and fuels scientific breakthrough.
We welcome all individuals of all backgrounds including race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, veterans status, national origin, disability, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status and/or origin.
Whitehead Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
Designs and performs bench-level experiments and small independent research projects to support scientific research objectives of the platform.
Responsible for lab management and administrative tasks that support the overall functioning of the platform.
Analyzes experimental data, addresses methodological problems in experimental protocols and results and reports data to supervisor.
Uses discretion in prioritizing and organizing scientific and lab support workflows and in optimizing methodologies and results.
Works as part of a partnership or team to support all aspects of high-throughput lentiviral CRISPR-Cas9-based and other screens, including maintaining cultured cell lines, maintaining and performing quality control on lentiviral reagents, lentivirus production, optimizing lentiviral transduction of new cell culture systems, screening in a high-throughput facility, and extracting genomic DNA and preparing libraries for high-throughput sequencing.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES In consultation with the supervisor or other project manager, designs and/or conducts bench level experiments and small independent research projects.Independently operates and maintains lab equipment and prepares and orders necessary supply stocks.
Works with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply issues.Performs cell culture on up to 20 cell lines.
Accurately monitors for contamination and cell line fidelity.Prepares and performs quality control on reagents used to generate lentivirus; produces and tests lentivirus on new cell culture systems, often using flow cytometry.Propagates existing pooled libraries and assists with cloning of new libraries or individual constructs for screen follow-up.Extracts genomic DNA from cultured cells and prepares high throughput sequencing libraries.Documents, compiles, and assists in interpreting experimental data.
Reports data in oral and written reports.
Troubleshoots methods to improve current research protocols.Attends team meetings.
May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.Consults with literature and scientific staff to maintain professional expertise.Other tasks as required or assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biology or a field directly related to the work.Proficiency in basic lab techniques.Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (exceptional candidates without molecular biology experience are encouraged to apply).Experience with mammalian cell culture (exceptional candidates without mammalian cell culture experience are encouraged to apply).Excellent written and oral communication skills.Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills; careful lab notebook practices and attention to detail are essential.Knowledge of various scientific databases and publications.Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat.Ability to exercise judgment within defined practices and techniques. Preferred: At least one year of full-time experience working in a biomedical research laboratory. Whitehead Institute is an E-Verify employer https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf