Research Technician - Laub Lab

Primary Work Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

About the Role

The Laub Lab at MIT is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician(s) to join our team. Our lab investigates bacteria-phage conflicts, evolutionary arms races, and bacterial defense systems. These host-pathogen battles have driven the evolution of molecular innovations such as CRISPR-Cas, and our work focuses on both discovering new defense systems and studying their mechanisms in depth. We use a combination of molecular biology, microbiology, protein biochemistry, and computational approaches to pursue these questions.

To learn more about the Laub Lab and our research, please visit: https://www.laublab.mit.edu/

The Laub Lab is a highly collaborative group composed of graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and technicians. This position provides both hands-on technical training and exposure to cutting-edge research, with technicians playing a vital role in supporting projects and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience who is eager to deepen their skills in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and microbiology, while preparing for future academic or industry careers.

What You'll Get:

• Exposure to state-of-the-art research on bacteria-phage conflicts, molecular evolution, and protein biochemistry.
• Close mentorship from graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and other technicians, with opportunities to learn new techniques.
• The chance to contribute to publications and gain authorship credit.
• A strong foundation and preparation for graduate school or PhD programs.
• A collaborative and supportive lab environment that values professional growth and scientific curiosity.

What You Will Do:

Research & Technical Support

• Partner with a graduate student or postdoctoral scientist to support ongoing projects.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including cloning and strain construction with verification.
• Grow and analyze bacterial cultures as part of experimental workflows.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and optimization of lab assays.

Lab Operations

• Assist with ordering, inventory management, and lab supplies.
• Work with the MIT safety representative to support compliance with safety protocols.
• Help maintain lab organization and readiness for daily operations.
• Provide miscellaneous technical support as needed across projects.

What You Bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, ideally with molecular cloning and bacterial culture.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• An extroverted, collaborative, and resourceful mindset, with confidence and self-motivation.
• Ability to work independently while also thriving in a team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take feedback constructively.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$18.40 (minimum) - $23.03 (midpoint) - $29.93 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Hourly

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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