Research Technician I - Jazayeri Lab

Lab Overview

The Jazayeri Lab (Jazlab), led by Dr. Mehrdad Jazayeri at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, conducts multidisciplinary research on the neural basis of cognition in humans and animal models — spanning the fields of systems, computational, and cognitive neuroscience. Using cutting-edge brain recording and perturbation tools, the lab studies neural activity as animals perform complex tasks, with the goal of understanding the fundamental mechanisms of how the brain computes and represents information.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated, adaptable, and team-oriented Research Technician I to join the Jazayeri Lab. This is a fantastic opportunity to support innovative research in a social, collaborative, and supportive environment. The role is approximately 50/50 between animal care and wet lab responsibilities, and is well-suited for a candidate with a science background who is completely comfortable working with non-human primates and thrives in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary setting.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to gain 2–3 years of hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate or professional school. The role is designed as a meaningful stepping stone, and successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects and develop a strong foundation in systems neuroscience.

What You'll Do

Animal Care (~50% of role):

• Provide daily husbandry care for non-human primates (monkeys), including feeding, watering, and general welfare monitoring.
• Perform chamber cleaning and maintenance for monkey subjects.
• Conduct behavior-based observation, training, and data collection.
• Assist with surgeries and provide pre- and post-operative care.
• Conduct or support MRI procedures under the direction of senior researchers.

Wet Lab (~50% of role):

• Prepare lab materials and supplies in accordance with established lab protocols.
• Sterilize supplies and maintain lab equipment to ensure a safe and functional research environment.
• Support environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance, including leading and preparing for lab inspections.

General Research Support:

• Record and collect experimental data under the direction of senior researchers and postdocs.
• Partner with researchers and other technicians in a collaborative, team-oriented capacity.
• Contribute to existing research programs rather than developing independent research projects.

What You Bring

Required:

• A Bachelor's or master's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, or a closely related life sciences field.
• 0–2 years of research experience as a Research Technician or in a comparable role.
• Complete comfort working with animals — particularly non-human primates — on a regular basis.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management abilities.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform tasks independently after an initial training period.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of colleagues in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Flexible and adaptable — comfortable navigating shifting priorities and dynamic lab demands.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in animal care or as a lab technical assistant.
• Familiarity with animal care protocols and IACUC compliance.
• Background or coursework in neuroscience or a related discipline.