BFT - Research Technician in Dermatology

Bulfinch Temporary Service, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum of human diversity: race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.

Research technician position (Research Assistant I) in Angiogenesis/Immunology/Wound healing at Harvard/MGH

Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Inflammation, Dr. Alexander G. Marneros,

Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology,

Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston

Our laboratory is investigating molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing, angiogenesis and inflammation.

Project 1: We are investigating molecular mechanisms that control macrophage activation and the role that activated macrophages play for inflammation and pathological angiogenesis. We have established in vitro assays to identify regulators of macrophage polarization. In chemical screens we could identify pharmacologic inhibitors of alternative macrophage polarization (M2-type macrophages) and could show in vivo that these inhibitors can block macrophage-induced angiogenesis (Cell Reports, 2013; JBC, 2014; Cell Reports 2021). This project aims to define molecular pathways that are critical for macrophage polarization and that influence the ability of activated macrophages to induce pathological angiogenesis in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cancer or wound healing.

Project 2: We investigate the role of proangiogenic factors for wound healing and age-related diseases. We could show that the proangiogenic factor VEGF-A induces oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation to promote age-related diseases (Cell Reports, 2013; FASEB J, 2014; EMBO Mol Med, 2016; FASEB J, 2018, eLife, 2020). We use a variety of in vivo and in vitro approaches to investigate a novel pathogenic link between VEGF-A and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Project 3: We identified a novel pathway that is critical for epithelial differentiation, especially in the kidney. This AP-2b/KCTD1 pathway plays a critical role in kidney development and for renal function in the adult. We use mouse genetics to elucidate the role of this pathway for kidney functions (Dev Cell, 2020; Cell Reports, 2021).

In summary, our laboratory uses a large number of diverse experimental approaches (human genetics, mouse genetics, chemical screens, in vitro assays, cutting-edge imaging technology) to define novel mechanisms in angiogenesis, wound healing and inflammation. All of our projects have strong translational clinical relevance.

Our laboratory is embedded in a highly productive and well-equipped environment at the Cutaneous Biology Research Center of Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Cutting-edge technologies are available within our Department and the MGH/Harvard research community.

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Required profile:

- Passionate about science and commitment for ~1 year required

- prior laboratory experience, especially working with mice, preferred

- applicants must be reliable, well organized and have good log-keeping abilities

- Position start date: ASAP

Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.