Clinical Research Assistant: Genetic Counseling – Yu Lab

position Summary
The Yu Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital focuses on developing innovative therapies for rare genetic diseases, with a particular emphasis on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Our team works at the intersection of research and patient care, collaborating closely with families and patient advocacy groups to advance personalized medicine. The Research Assistant will support the lab’s genetic counselor and broader research team in both patient-facing and research-related activities. This position will include overseeing the intake process for new referrals to the lab and data management across several research studies. The Research Assistant will also play a key role in a research partnership utilizing an AI-powered tool for therapeutic amenability assessments. experience with bioinformatics or computer science is a plus. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in rare disease research, patient engagement, and genetic data management.
Key Responsibilities

• Support the assessment of new cases for enrollment through bioinformatic analysis, literature review, and use of genomic tools.
• Assist the genetic counselor with organizing and managing incoming case inquiries and historic genetic data through the creation of a harmonized database and case reports.
• Facilitate the informed consent process and the collection of medical history data and biological samples from enrolled patients.
• Leverage existing data sets to advance therapeutic assessment strategies through a collaborative research program with an AI-driven platform
• Engage in bioinformatics-related tasks depending on skill set and interest. Experience with Python, R, or other relevant languages is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications
education:

• Bachelor’s degree in genetics, neuroscience, bioinformatics, biology, psychology, or a related field

Experience:

• Interest in genetic counseling, rare disease research, and/or patient advocacy.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with genetics/bioinformatics tools and/or antisense oligonucleotides preferred.

The posted pay range is Boston Children’s reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting.

Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes 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.