Research Assistant I-Translational Hearing Genomics Lab - Boston Children's Hospital

The goal of the Translational Hearing Genomics Lab (Principal Investigator: Eliot Shearer MD, PhD) is to improve the lives of children with hearing loss. Current lab focuses include improving genetic diagnosis for hearing loss using new DNA sequencing technologies as well as modeling human hearing loss using mouse models. This research assistant role focuses on human genetics, and the position will involve working both in diverse clinical settings (outpatient clinic, operating room, NICU) as well as performing hands-on tasks in the lab to accomplish our translational research goals.
Principal Responsibilities and Growth Opportunities

• Clinical Research:
  • Recruit, consent, and enroll research subjects in a clinical setting for a large genomics study.
  • Perform project coordination, sample management (DNA, blood, saliva), and research database management
• Wet bench lab research: perform DNA extraction of clinical samples, PCR, sequencing assays, and other molecular genetics lab techniques.
• Analytical: learn how to perform genomic analysis to identify relevant human genetic variants; collect, analyze, and summarize data; present results to the group.

This Research Assistant will also 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, prepare media and other materials using appropriate procedures.
• Inventories supplies, alerts supervisor to needed supplies, or mixes standard reagents.
• Processes order for supplies. 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: 

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriately related discipline, preferably in a Life, Health, or Social Sciences field
• Work requires well-developed organizational skills to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion.
• Work requires advanced writing skills for preparing IRB submissions, abstracts, and drafting manuscripts.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A two-year commitment to the position 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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