Research Assistant I-F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center - Boston Children's Hospital

The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center at Boston Children’s Hospital seeks a Research Assistant (RA 1) to work in the Animal Behavior and Physiology (AB&P) Core Facility servicing the Boston Children's Hospital Research Community and scientists from the external community. The Research Assistant will report to the AB&P Manager and the AB&P Director and perform mouse behavioral phenotyping experiments as well as provide experimental support and training to graduate students, post-docs, and PIs as they use the equipment in the core facility. Other responsibilities will include maintenance troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, maintaining awareness of animal health and potentially providing surgical services to users of the AB&P.  This position will give an ideal background for someone considering a basic science PhD requiring in vivo skills.

This Research Assistant I will be responsible for: 

• 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 Bachelor in STEM or Psychology, preferred area of study in  Pharmacology, Physiology or related field required.
• Rodent handling skills are preferred and the applicant must be open to handling mice and behavioral testing.
• Some experience with dosing compounds using a broad range of routes of administration and plasma sampling is preferred although all necessary techniques will be taught.
• The applicant must have a good understanding of animal health, be able to work independently, flexibly and to appropriate timelines.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• A minimum of two-year commitment 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.

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