Technical Assistant 1 - Lehmann Lab

Classification:

Exempt

Job Family:

Technicians

Reports to:

President and Director

Job Description Summary:

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
We are seeking a motivated and curious Technical Assistant to join our team in investigating fundamental questions in reproductive and developmental biology.

The successful candidate will conduct bench-level experiments and small independent research projects under the guidance of senior postdocs in the lab.

The position will involve a combination of Drosophila genetics and husbandry, advanced microscopy (including single-particle tracking and high-speed super-resolution imaging), mathematical modeling, and cutting-edge omics approaches, including metabolomics, spatial transcriptomics (MERFISH), and single-cell sequencing.

This position is particularly well suited to recent college graduates interested in pursuing graduate studies or a research career in academia or industry. The anticipated appointment is for 1–2 years, with the possibility of extension.

SPECIFIC RESEARCH AIMS
Our research aims to understand the cellular architecture and organization of reproductive systems. Reproductive systems face a unique biological challenge: they are tasked with the responsibility to build the next generation. By understanding how reproductive cells acquire the remarkable ability to give rise to entirely new organisms, and how the supporting reproductive systems are assembled and maintained during development, we hope to uncover fundamental principles of cell-state regulation, tissue organization, and cellular communication. These insights may also inform our understanding of developmental disorders and cancer.

We employ a multidisciplinary approach to investigate these questions, using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system. Our goal is to build a comprehensive, multidimensional map of how germ cells and their supporting somatic cells change throughout development, integrating their biophysical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiles.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of this work, we welcome candidates from diverse scientific backgrounds who are enthusiastic about learning new techniques and exploring biological questions across experimental and computational disciplines.

Training and mentorship: The Lehmann laboratory has a long record of training young scientists, and many lab alumni have gone on to top graduate programs, medical schools, faculty positions, and careers in biotech and industry. As a technician, you will be a full member of the research team, not just support staff. You will work side by side with experienced postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and get hands-on training in a wide range of techniques, from genetics, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy to genomics and computational data analysis. As you build skills and confidence, you will be encouraged to take ownership of your own project, contribute ideas at lab meetings, and work toward authorship on publications. You will also have opportunities to present your work at institute events and scientific conferences.

Beyond the lab, you will be part of the Whitehead Institute and the wider MIT and Kendall Square community, one of the most active biomedical research hubs in the world. Seminars, journal clubs, career development programs, and informal conversations with leading scientists happen every day. We are committed to an intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and supportive environment where curiosity is rewarded, questions are welcome, and mentorship is personal. Whether your next step is graduate school, medical school, or a career in academia or industry, we will help you develop the scientific independence, critical thinking, and practical expertise to get there, and we will actively support your applications along the way.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Conduct bench-level experiments and contribute to independent research projects in consultation with the Principal Investigator and supervising laboratory members.
• Perform Drosophila husbandry and genetics, including maintaining and documenting fly stocks, setting up genetic crosses, and assisting with genetic engineering.
• Carry out tissue dissections, particularly of Drosophila ovaries and embryos, and establish and maintain ex vivo tissue cultures and cell preparations for downstream analysis, including fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Perform microscopy and molecular biology experiments, with opportunities to learn advanced live-imaging and super-resolution microscopy techniques.
• Assist with the preparation and execution of transcriptomic, metabolomic, and other high-throughput experiments.
• Some work will include tissue processing of the female mouse reproductive system
• Organize, document, analyze, and interpret experimental data, including the use of computational and statistical approaches where appropriate.
• Present experimental findings and research progress through laboratory meetings, discussions, and written reports.
• Collaborate with laboratory members to develop, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental protocols.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, prepare reagents, and assist with ordering and managing laboratory supplies.
• Review relevant scientific literature and participate actively in laboratory discussions.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Proficient in basic lab techniques and principles of molecular biology preferred.
• Previous working experience with fruit flies is desirable.
• Knowledge of various scientific databases and publications preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills required.
• Desire to learn new skills and tools and participate in team science.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience with every technique listed above is not expected. We place particular emphasis on intellectual curiosity, motivation, reliability, willingness to learn, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Training will be provided in the specialized techniques required for the position.

Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to approximately two years. This position offers an excellent opportunity for recent graduates seeking substantial research experience before pursuing graduate studies or a career in biomedical research.

Whitehead provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, and internal peer equity. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

• Pay Range Minimum:  $47,500
• Pay Range Maximum:  $47,500

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