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Primary responsibilities are to complete experiments for research projects in collaboration with Dr. Melissa Walker, an Assistant Professor in Pediatric Neurology within the Vamsi Mootha Lab. This individual will work under Dr. Walker’s supervision to help 1) collect, catalogue, and store human blood samples 2) perform immune staining for flow cytometry assays 3) perform standard immune cell assays using commercial reagents 4) perform quantitative polymerase chain reactions 5) perform standard polymerase chain reactions for amplicon sequencing library preparation. The Research Assistant will be responsible for executing cell culture and molecular biology experiments, accurately recording experimental details, and communicating effectively about their work progress. Major duties include: working with close supervision and progressive independence to conduct routine experiments, collection and accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering and preparing necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. The candidate will set up and prepare routine experiments as directed, conduct the analysis of the results, monitor the quality and quantity of work performed, see that standards are met and maintained, and participate in the interpretation of the results of experiments through conferencing with senior lab personnel or the principal investigator to review data compared to the hypothesis being tested, and research methodology in instances of inexplicable data. The candidate will collaborate with the principal investigator in organizing material for publication and may present papers or appear as principal or secondary author in publications and ensure Public Access policy is adhered to.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position.
- Blood specimen isolation, preparation, cataloguing, and storage
- Perform an array of molecular biology experiments
- Prepares basic solutions and performs base-level procedures as assigned (i.e. – pipetting, cell and tissue culture, etc.)
- Maintains laboratory notebook
- Understands and applies basic scientific techniques
- Conducts analysis of results and may begin interpretation of results
- Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed
- Prepares lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment
- May perform independent literature searches
- Assists with organizing materials for publication or presentation
- Maintains and orders supplies
SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Good communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
- Ability to perform multiple tasks independently
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):
- Maybe asked to complete HRA Good Clinical Practice, available on MGB’s HealthStream, pending direction of project
EDUCATION:
- High school diploma
EXPERIENCE:
- New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered
EEO
We are an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
