Research Assistant I- Stevens Lab

Position Summary/ Department Summary:
Spanning dynamic research environments at Boston Children's Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the Stevens lab is focused on investigating the ways in which the immune system and the brain communicate across the lifespan. We are recruiting a Research Assistant I to work with a talented team of postdocs on exciting projects dissecting the roles of immune cells that live at the borders of the brain (the meninges, choroid plexus, brain perivascular space) in healthy brain development and during brain infection.

Stevens Lab website: https://www.stevenslab.org/

The selected research assistant will make key intellectual and technical contributions to this project and will receive excellent training in being an independent, critical thinking scientist. Such training will be instrumental in preparing the candidate for their next career stage (such as medical school, graduate school, academic research positions, biotech research, and others).

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing and performing a variety of laboratory assays and procedures that encompass molecular biology, cell culture, tissue harvest and processing, flow cytometry, ELISA, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, and RNAscope techniques. These will be carried out utilizing a range of laboratory equipment and will entail accurately documenting procedures undertaken, recording any data generated, and performing a variety of downstream data analysis using a variety of graphical and statistical computer packages.
• Handling mice and conducting procedures for in vivo experiments, including biosafety level 2 (BSL2) infection models and monitoring mice for clinical scores.
• Maintaining any equipment, lab area, and supplies they use in a timely, professional manner.
• Carrying out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols.
• Attending and engaging in weekly lab meetings. Conducting literature searches and critical reviews of published data, presenting your work, and participating in group discussions of both your data and that of others.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology or a similar relevant field.

Experience:

• Wet laboratory research experience (immunology or cell biology preferred but not required).* Knowledge of the above-mentioned laboratory techniques is not required but familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques and mouse handling is helpful. A keen interest in and aptitude for learning new techniques is crucial.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Ability to communicate data and scientific ideas clearly in one-on-one meetings, meetings with collaborators, and larger settings such as lab meetings.
• Initiative to manage your schedule and experiments independently of your mentor.

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.