Research Associate II - Genetic Perturbation Platform (GPP)

The Genetic Perturbation Platform (GPP) of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is looking for a full time Research Associate to support the scientific mission of GPP. The GPP is a worldwide leader in developing and applying technologies for the discovery of gene function. The Broad Institute is a vibrant research environment with close links to top academic institutions and hospitals across the Boston area and provides the potential for contributions to be used and recognized worldwide.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The successful candidate will join a team that creates genetic perturbation libraries and other reagents for functional genomics experiments, cloning libraries at high throughput or small scale, pooled or arrayed. These libraries include CRISPR, ORF, shRNA, Saturation Mutagenesis and other perturbation types. They are made in bacterial stock form, pDNA, and packaged into virus for delivery into mammalian cells. In addition to the day-to-day efficient execution of molecular cloning projects, responsibilities include evaluating and enhancing the efficiency of lab processes, adaptation of new technologies. Production utilizes a range of molecular biology methods (e.g. Gateway, GoldenGate, Gibson, In-fusion, and restriction/ligation cloning etc), efficient high throughput transfection-quality DNA/virus prep of these libraries, the sample prep for next-gen sequencing, and glycerol/DNA/virus sample renewal/reformatting/inventory management.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

• Produces CRISPR, ORF, and RNAi constructs with emphasis on efficiency, quality, precision. This includes vigorous lab process control and quality monitoring, and persistent focus on strict lab practices to minimize sample mishandling and contamination.
• Executes day-to-day operation in transfection-quality DNA prep facility, including DNA prep, quantification, normalization, DNA quality monitoring, and the inventory management of the glycerol working copy and DNA products.
• Executes day-to-day operations producing lentivirus libraries and facilitating virus infection, passage of cells, genomic DNA isolation, PCR sample preps for next-gen sequencing as the way to collect data for genetic screens.
• Handles custom rearraying of the layout of glycerol and DNA samples.
• Manages vast inventory of glycerol/DNA/virus samples.
• Works with the informatics group to streamline the lab processes, and achieve the consistency of lab operations and data recording.
• Conducts research projects to serve the platform needs. Troubleshoots technical problems and involves in the development and optimization of new or existing protocols.
• Investigates and develops new methods and technologies for platform advancement.
• Adapts well to the ever-changing platform needs in workflows, projects and staffing structure.
• Consult colleagues and the scientific literature, as needed, to develop professional expertise and support ongoing and future projects
• Other tasks as required by the platform. May perform other duties as assigned‍

‍Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology is required plus 2 - 3 years of relevant research experience.
• Strong organization skills and good attention to details.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular cloning and high throughput automation are a plus.
• Ability to exercise judgment within defined practices and techniques.
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, lab notebook practices and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and to use sound judgment to handle and prioritize a variety of tasks

The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

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All Broad employees, regardless of work location, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Requests for exemption for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will be considered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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