Research Assistant I-Animal Behavior and Physiology Core

Status

Full-Time

Standard Hours per Week

40

Job Posting Category

Research

Job Posting Description

Research assistant (RA) position available in the Animal Behavior and Physiology Core at Boston Children’s Hospital beginning in February 2025. The individual will join a fast-paced translational team that uses rodent models to study neurological disease, led by Dr. Alexander Rotenberg.
The successful candidate will be trained in basic molecular biology techniques, rodent models of neurodevelopmental disease, rodent behavioral assessments, rodent surgical techniques including acute and chronic EEG recording, cortical electrical stimulation and intracranial injections, and EEG analysis. 
The RA will have the opportunity to be a full member of collaborations with academic investigators, biotech and industry partners and non-profit institutions in the execution of joint research projects focused on treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. 
They will be expected to present regularly at laboratory meetings and will have the opportunity 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 with Dr. Rotenberg’s full support.
This Research Assistant I will be responsible for: 

• Maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping.
• Execution of surgical, pharmacological and behavioral rodent experiments.
• Molecular biology experiments (genotyping, Western blots, immunohistochemistry).
• Maintenance and upkeep of neurophysiological recording equipment.
• Project management including communication with academic collaborators, industry clients, recordkeeping and data presentations.
• Support of laboratory operations (ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, laboratory representation in institutional groups, animal protocol upkeep).
• 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.
• 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 BA/BS degree in Biology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Neurobiology or related field.
• Flexible working hours during weekdays and weekends on rotating schedule.
• Experience with rodent handling and surgery a plus.
•  Experience programming with MATLAB/Python a plus.
• Past research experience in pharmacology, cell or molecular biology, genetics, or neuroscience at the undergraduate level or beyond, preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills a must.

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. 

Office/Site Location

Boston

Regular, Temporary, Per Diem

Regular

Remote Eligibility

Onsite Only