Research Assistant I - Rao Lab

Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rao Lab seeks a Research Assistant to design and perform experiments, analyze data, and gain experience in mouse genetics, tissue dissection, cell culture, molecular biology (qPCR), and gut motility assays. You will work closely with a junior faculty member in an exciting neuroscience-digestive biology interface.

This position offers opportunities to learn, contribute to publications, attend lab meetings, and develop skills across in vivo and ex vivo approaches and quantitative ENS studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Neuroscience, Biology, or Biochemistry.
• Strong self-motivation and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Experience with molecular biology, tissue culture, and/or mice preferred.
• Willingness to learn to work with mice.

Responsibilities

• Maintain records of results and methodologies in a lab log.
• Keep data confidential and stored per protocol.
• Attend safety courses on handling hazardous materials.
• Carry out all lab activities in compliance with regulations.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and share responsibilities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Neuroscience, Biology, or Biochemistry

Tools

Molecular biology

Tissue culture

Mouse handling

Job description

The Rao Lab is seeking a Research Assistant to work closely with a junior faculty member to design and perform experiments, and analyze resulting data. The Research Assistant will gain experience in mouse genetics, tissue dissection, cell culture, molecular biology (qPCR), mouse behavioral assays, ex vivo and in vivo gut motility assays, mouse models of allergy and inflammation, and quantitative approaches to studying ENS circuit function. This is an outstanding opportunity to gain research experience and author publications in an exciting area at the interface of neuroscience and digestive biology.

https://raolab.hms.harvard.edu

Lab overview

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is unique among organs because it has its own intrinsic nervous system, called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is large, complex, and mostly independent in its capability to regulate a variety of digestive, immune and metabolic functions. The Rao lab uses mouse genetic models, imaging, and a variety of in vivo and ex vivo assays to investigate how information about nutrients, mechanical stimuli, and microbes is detected and used by the ENS to regulate digestion, GI motility, metabolism, epithelial functions, and immune responses.

This position will be responsible for:

• Performing the following tasks typically required for our basic and translational studies:
  • Maintaining records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed
  • Maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that data are stored according to protocol
  • Attending courses in safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials
  • Carrying out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols
• Attending courses, lectures and conferences to further own knowledge and consulting with other researchers to exchange information
• Contributing to the research team by participating in weekly lab meetings and shared lab responsibilities

To qualify, you must have:

• Bachelor's in Neuroscience, Biology, or Biochemistry. Other majors considered depending on relevant experience and coursework, especially in Biostatistics.
• The ideal candidate would be highly self-motivated, organized, and enthusiastic about hands on science.
• Candidates must be adept at working both independently and collaboratively to take on new challenges and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with molecular biology, tissue culture, and/or working with mice is preferred, but not required.
• Candidates must be comfortable learning to work with mice if no prior mouse work experience.