Research Assistant I-Neurobiology Department

at  Boston Childrens Hospital

JOB POSTING DESCRIPTION

Our laboratory studies how the nervous system senses the external world. Our research combines approaches from neuroscience and biophysics, and studies steps from molecular mechanisms to behavior.
We seek a Research Assistant who will participate actively in the laboratory’s scientific thinking and research, in addition to aiding with routine tasks. Laboratory members will provide all required training.

This Research Assistant I will be responsible for:

• Performing animal surgeries.
• Collecting tissues for research both on and off site.
• Helping to maintain a colony of transgenic animals.
• Assisting members of the laboratory in research using both routine and specialized techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines in health, safety, and animal regulations.
• 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.

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY YOU MUST HAVE:

• A Bachelors Degree in STEM or Psychology with preferred coursework in biological sciences, particularly neurobiology. Additional experience in physics, chemistry and/or computer science is preferred.
• Extensive lab research experience with animal models.
• Willingness to work with animals and human tissues.
• Strong drive, conscientiousness, organizational skills, and work ethic.
• Ability to meticulously follow complex protocols and troubleshoot if necessary.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Willingness to commit to two years is preferred.
  Boston Children’s Hospital offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits including 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.

• Performing animal surgeries.
• Collecting tissues for research both on and off site.
• Helping to maintain a colony of transgenic animals.
• Assisting members of the laboratory in research using both routine and specialized techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines in health, safety, and animal regulations.
• 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