Working at MIT offers opportunities, an environment, a culture – and benefits – that just aren’t found together anywhere else. If you’re curious, motivated, want to be part of a unique community, and help shape the future – then take a look at this opportunity.

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE II, Biological Engineering, to provide technical assistance on multiple high-impact projects in a fast-paced research lab. Projects include developing a ‘smart’ sewage-surveillance platform for public health applications, a global effort to extensively isolate and culture gut bacterial strains from non-industrialized populations around the world, and developing an extensive collection of bacterial isolates representing the microbial diversity of the human vaginal microbiome.

Primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing high-sensitivity detection protocols for viruses and bacterial pathogens (e.g., S. typhi and paratyphi) in sewage, field sample collection and preparation, and anaerobic and aerobic bacterial isolation and culturing. Will also perform molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extraction and purification; cDNA preparation; library preparation for Illumina sequencing; and qPCR design, optimization, and troubleshooting.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in molecular biology, microbiology, biological engineering, or related field; at least four years’ relevant experience in a biology, microbiology, or biological engineering lab; extensive experience with routine molecular biology techniques including qPCR design, optimization, and troubleshooting; willingness to learn new techniques/protocols; strong organizational and problem-solving skills; self-motivation; attention to detail; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; meticulous attention to detail; and familiarity and strong track record of adhering to laboratory safety protocols.

Must be able to multitask, plan and troubleshoot experiments, work both independently and as part of a team, and carefully document and maintain work in detailed written records. Should enjoy working in a fast-paced, milestone-orientated, and dynamic research environment. Experience with anaerobic and aerobic isolation and culturing strongly preferred.

Some travel may be required.

Immediate availability preferred.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.