The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.
The Ragon Institute established the Catherine Othieno Sempa Memorial post-baccalaureate fellowship program in the summer of 2025. The purpose of this program is to invite recent college graduates from underrepresented backgrounds interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. to experience scientific research in an institutional setting. This program is currently limited to students from HBCUs or minority-serving institutions. Here are some features of the Ragon program:
Fellowship recipients will serve as entry-level research technicians for two years.
In addition to compensation commensurate with the Research Technician role, awardees will receive a one-time relocation payment of $3,000 funded by the Institute.
Along with gaining lab-based experience via the principal duties and responsibilities listed below, fellowship awardees will meet regularly with their mentor (hosting lab PI or delegated post-doctoral fellow). They will also receive training in scientific communication and writing, assistance with graduate school preparation, attend seminars and workshops, and visit neighboring institutions.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position.
Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. - pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
Maintains laboratory notebook
Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment
May perform independent literature searches
Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
Maintains and orders supplies
Participates in activities outside of the lab associated with the post-baccalaureate program
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Ability to work independently and as a team member
Good communication skills
Computer literacy
Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
Ability to perform multiple tasks independently
Qualifications
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree required from an HBCU or minority-serving institution, our partners in this fellowship program, are required
EXPERIENCE:
New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action 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.
