Research Assistant I - Rao Lab

Boston Children's Hospital; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Children’s Hospital’s Rao Lab is seeking a Research Assistant to design and perform experiments, analyze data, and gain experience in mouse genetics, tissue dissection, cell culture, and molecular biology (qPCR), with exposure to in vivo gut motility assays.

The role emphasizes meticulous record keeping, safety training, collaboration, and weekly lab meetings; a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience, Biology, or Biochemistry is required or related coursework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or Biochemistry; other majors considered with relevant experience.
• Highly self-motivated, organized and enthusiastic about hands-on science.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with excellent verbal and written communication.
• Experience with molecular biology, tissue culture, and/or mice is preferred but not required.
• Comfortable learning to work with mice if no prior mouse work experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure data is stored per protocol.
• Attend safety courses for handling hazardous materials and disposal procedures.
• Carry out laboratory activities in compliance with regulations and protocols.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and assist with shared lab responsibilities.

Skills

Mouse handling

Molecular biology

Tissue culture

qPCR

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Neuroscience/Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Tissue culture

Mouse handling

qPCR

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.

The posted pay range is Boston Children's reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting.

Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.