Research Assistant I NEUROLOGY kl

massgeneralbrigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham in Boston is seeking a hands-on Laboratory Specialist to support iPSC-derived neuron projects under supervision. You will perform routine experiments, manage data, and contribute to assay development for viability and toxicity testing, with emphasis on cell culture, molecular biology, and imaging workflows.

The role requires strong organization, meticulous lab records, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced translational research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science required or equivalent work experience.
• 0-1 year relevant coursework preferred for new grads.
• Excellent cell culture practices with sterile technique.
• Good understanding of molecular biology methods (cloning, Western blot, qPCR).
• Basic computer literacy and data management skills.
• Strong communication and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, passage, catalogue, and culture iPSC cells.
• Differentiate iPSCs to neurons and age cultures.
• Operate Attune flow cytometer and manage reagents.
• Schedule longitudinal imaging with Incucyte and Nikon Biostation.
• Maintain HEK293 cells and generate stable lines.
• Assist with molecular cloning and related prep work.
• Analyze data from western blot, microscopy, and flow cytometry.
• Maintain lab notebooks and write SOPs.
• Report to supervisor daily and to PI weekly.
• Collaborate with team to troubleshoot experiments.
• Share lab duties with technicians.
• Data collection, management, and reporting.
• Study cohort management and outreach communications.
• Provide support for epidemiological studies.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

Flow cytometry

Western blot

Data management

SOPs documentation

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science

Tools

Attune flow cytometer

Incucyte microscope

Nikon Biostation

Job description

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The candidate will work independently under the supervision of Vikram Khurana, MD, PhD, and a senior researcher in the Khurana lab (instructor/assistant professor). Depending on the specific project needs and candidate skill set, the role will range from molecular biology focused bench work to development and optimization of assays for viability/toxicity in iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) derived neurons. These assays will include techniques such as flow cytometry, longitudinal imaging of neurons, plate-based live cell and calorimetric assays and western blotting. The candidate is expected to be diligent, highly organized, and collegial.

The position provides assistance to the Principal Investigator and Study Team in coordinating research activities that may include conducting a variety of routine experiments with established methodologies, data collection and management, and other research activities as assigned.

Candidates who are in the process of completing their bachelor's degree have a grace period of six months from their hire date (up to 1 year if starting per diem) to provide degree equivalency verification.

Does this position require Patient Care? No

Essential Functions

• Maintenance, passaging, cataloguing, and culturing of iPSC cells.
• Differentiation iPSCs to neurons and glia and aging of these cultures.
• Maintenance of Attune flow cytometry and ordering the related reagents
• Measuring and scheduling of longitudinal imaging with Incucyte and Nikon Biostation microscope.
• Maintenance of HEK293 cells, generation of stable cell lines.
• Helping with molecular cloning; Gibson assembly, gateway cloning, mini/maxi preps.
• Analysis of data from western blot/ microscopy/ flow cytometry.
• The candidate will have excellent lab note-keeping habits, mostly digital(LabArchieves) and will generate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab.
• The candidate will have excellent organizational skills, labeling of experiments, file management.
• The candidate will report daily to the immediate supervisor and weekly to the Principal Investigator.
• The candidate will interact with junior and senior members of the lab to troubleshoot experiments.
• The candidate will share lab duties with other technicians.
• Responsible for data collection, management, manipulation, analysis, and reporting.
• Study cohort management.
• Outreach communication with subjects, conducting mailings, follow-up on mailings, and obtaining necessary documents.
• Provides assistance on work related to epidemiological studies and other population-based research.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree Science required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes

Experience and Qualifications

• New grad with some relevant coursework 0-1 year preferred
• Good cell culture experience with human cells (HEK293 or any other immortalized line).
• iPSC stem cell culture experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent cell culture practice/sterile techniques are necessary.
• Medium to high level of computer literacy and a basic understanding of statistical concepts are needed.
• Basic understanding of molecular techniques, microscopy, flow cytometry is desired.
• Understanding of basic molecular concepts: molecular cloning, western blot, RNA isolation, qPCR, western blot is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required for working in a highly diverse lab.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Excellent data management skills and attention to detail.
• Good presentation skills are a plus.
• Computer literacy, including database tools.
• Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

• Remote Type: Onsite
• Work Location: 60 Fenwood Road
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Employee Type: Regular
• Work Shift: Day (United States of America)
• Pay Range: $21.00 - $29.01/Hourly
• Grade: 5

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not enco