Research Technician I - Vos Lab

About the Role:

The Vos Lab at MIT is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to join our team. The lab studies genome organization and transcription, combining molecular biology and biochemistry to explore fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation. This role will primarily work with Dr. Angelos Pistofidis (Postdoctoral Scientist) on several ongoing projects, while also contributing to general lab tasks and operations.

The Vos Lab is composed of a highly collaborative team of postdoctoral researchers and technical staff, with technicians supporting both individual projects and general lab responsibilities. This new hire will play an essential role in strengthening the lab’s research capacity, focusing on cloning, protein expression, and purification.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with hands-on lab experience who is eager to deepen their expertise in molecular biology and protein biochemistry while working closely with experienced scientists in a highly collaborative environment. For more information about the lab please visit:

What You’ll Get:

• Close mentorship from Dr. Angelos Pistofidis (Postdoctoral Scientist) and other senior lab members.

• The opportunity to take ownership of a project and make meaningful scientific contributions.

• Potential for authorship on publications and opportunities to present at conferences.

• Preparation and training for graduate school or PhD programs, with strong positioning for future academic or industry careers.

• A collaborative, supportive lab environment that fosters both professional development and long-term growth.

What You Will Do:

Research & Technical Support

• Perform cloning and molecular biology techniques to support multiple projects in the lab.

• Express proteins using insect cell systems and assist in optimizing expression conditions.

• Carry out protein purification and biochemical assays.

• Prepare solutions, reagents, and buffers to support ongoing experiments.

• Collaborate closely with postdocs on experimental design and execution.

Lab Operations

• Help maintain lab inventory and ensure supplies are available for experiments.

• Contribute to organizing lab spaces, preparing shared reagents, and ensuring readiness for daily lab work.

• Support compliance with safety and institutional protocols.

• Assist in onboarding and training of new lab members in routine protocols and practices.

What You Bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field (molecular biology emphasis strongly preferred).

• At least two years of undergraduate laboratory experience, with hands-on training in molecular cloning.

• Direct experience with gene cloning and protein expression in insect cell systems.

• Strong preference for candidates with protein purification experience.

• Teachable and open to constructive feedback, with a willingness to grow and adapt.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively and get along with diverse colleagues.

• Solid organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to lab work.

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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