Research Assistant I

Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Children’s Hospital is seeking a research assistant to perform routine and specialized laboratory experiments under supervision. You will assist with specimen preparation, data collection, and analysis using standard equipment, contributing to ongoing research projects.

You will maintain precise records, participate in safety training, review literature, and collaborate with scientists across departments to advance scientific findings and methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field.
• 0–1 year of relevant research experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized lab experiments following prescribed protocols.
• Record and verify results for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist in troubleshooting procedures and maintain equipment and lab area.
• Sterilize glassware and prepare media and materials as needed.
• Inventory supplies and prepare reagents; alert supervisor to needed items.
• Process orders for supplies and animals and ensure safety compliance.
• Conduct literature searches and review to support the PI.
• Attend courses to advance lab techniques and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Collaborate within and between departments to support research goals.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data recording

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Tools

Standard laboratory equipment

Job description

Position Summary

Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of routine and specialized laboratory experiments, specimen preparations, and experimental procedures for the purpose of research. Assists in the use of specialized laboratory equipment and analysis of data generated by this equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• According to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules, performs a variety of routine laboratory experiments and procedures, utilizing standard laboratory equipment, recording and checking results for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists in troubleshooting procedures if experimental results are unexpected or quality of specimens is poor. Performs the following techniques typically required for the laboratory/study: Maintains records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed. Maintains equipment, lab area, and supplies in a neat professional manner.
• Sterilize and clean glassware, and prepare media and other materials using appropriate procedures. Inventories supplies, alerts supervisor to needed supplies, or mixes standard reagents.
• Processes order for supplies and/or animals. Attends courses in safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials.
• Carries out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols.
• Conducts literature searches and reviews, compiling information for journals and suggesting uses for new techniques to the P.I.
• Attends courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques, consulting with other researchers and technicians to exchange information.
• Contributes to the team within and between departments and organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Experience:

• 0-1 years of relevant research experience