Research Assistant I- Dr. Sahin/Dr. Rotenberg Laboratory

Boston Children's Hospital; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant to join their dynamic team focused on neurological disease research. This role offers the opportunity to work with rodent models, conducting experiments in molecular biology and cell culture. The ideal candidate will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge neuroscience research while collaborating with academic and industry partners. You will be involved in managing laboratory operations, presenting research findings at conferences, and contributing to publications. If you are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and eager to make impactful contributions, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in cell biology and molecular biology preferred.
• Excellent communication and organization skills required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mouse colonies and perform in-vivo surgical experiments.
• Support lab operations and conduct molecular biology experiments.
• Assist in literature searches and collaborate with team members.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Cell Culture

Rodent Models

Time Management

Communication Skills

Education

BA/BS in Biology

BA/BS in Molecular Biology

BA/BS in Biochemistry

BA/BS in Neurobiology

Tools

Western Blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Gene Expression Analysis

Cryosectioning

Job description

At Boston Children's Hospital, the quality of our care - and our inclusive hospital working environment - lies in the diversity of our people. With patients from local communities and 160 countries around the world, we're committed to reflecting the spectrum of their cultures, while opening doors of opportunity for our team. Here, different talents pursue common goals. Voices are heard and ideas are shared. Join us, and discover how your unique contributions can change lives. Yours included.

Research assistant position available in the laboratories of Dr. Mustafa Sahin and Dr. Alexander Rotenberg at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School beginning spring 2025. The individual will join a fast-paced team that uses rodent models to study neurological disease, including epilepsy, mTOR-pathway related disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These translational groups provide experience in cutting-edge basic neuroscience research and opportunities for involvement in translational research projects.

The research assistant will support general laboratory operations and will have the opportunity to assume managerial responsibilities for collaborative research projects with academic, non-profit, and industry partners. During the assistantship, the candidate will be trained in rodent surgical techniques (including acute and chronic EEG recording and analysis and intracranial injections), molecular biology techniques, basic cell culture techniques, colony management and phenotyping, and rodent behavioral assessments. The candidate will be expected to present regularly at laboratory meetings and will have the opportunity to present their research at local and national conferences and will be included in publications resulting from their efforts. Previous RAs have all successfully transitioned to graduate/medical school or industry positions.

This Research Assistant I will be responsible for:

1. Maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping; execution of in-vivo surgical, pharmacological, and behavioral rodent experiments.
2. Support of laboratory operations (e.g., equipment maintenance, preparation of stock solutions, and re-stocking of supplies).
3. Molecular biology experiments (genotyping, Western blots, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, cryosectioning, immunostaining).
4. Basic Cell Culture experiments (primary neuronal culture maintenance, drug treatment, media change).
5. Performing routine laboratory experiments and procedures according to prescribed protocols and schedules, utilizing standard equipment, and recording results accurately.
6. Assisting in troubleshooting procedures if results are unexpected or specimens are of poor quality.
7. Maintaining records of results and methodologies, keeping equipment and lab area clean and organized, sterilizing glassware, and preparing media and materials.
8. Processing orders for supplies and animals, attending safety courses, and complying with regulations and protocols.
9. Conducting literature searches, reviewing scientific publications, and suggesting new techniques to the P.I.
10. Attending courses, lectures, and conferences to enhance research knowledge and techniques, and collaborating with team members.

In order to qualify, you must have:

• A BA/BS degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, or related field.
• Flexible working hours during weekdays and weekends/holidays on a rotating schedule.
• Experience with rodent models is a plus.
• Research experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, or related fields at the undergraduate level or beyond is preferred.
• Excellent communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills.
• A two-year commitment is preferred.

Boston Children's Hospital requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and Flu, unless eligible for a medical or religious exemption.

Boston Children's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.