Research Assistant I

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.
position Summary/ Department Summary:
The Biddinger Lab at Harvard Medical School uses cutting edge genetic, molecular, and metabolic tools to help people with diabetes. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about research to join our team of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. This is an outstanding opportunity for individuals considering medical or graduate school. For more about us, check out our website–www.biddingerlab.org.
Key Responsibilities:

• The candidate will work collaboratively with other investigators on key projects that will help us to understand the diseases that affect patients with diabetes. Ideal candidates will be able to work independently and contribute both intellectually and technically.
• The specific experiments and techniques will vary from month to month, but will typically include performing QPCR, western blotting, immunostaining, or FACS isolation, as well as performing mouse physiology experiments.
• The candidate will analyze, interpret and communicate results at lab meetings.
• The candidate will also spend 25% of their time on lab management, including ordering, organizing and maintaining databases, and coordinating lab meetings.

Minimum Qualifications
education: Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or a related field
experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or a related field
• At least one year of research experience outside of coursework
• Proficient in at least 2-3 wet lab techniques (e.g. Western blotting, cloning, FACS, QPCR)
• Comfortable working with mice
• Willingness to make a two-year commitment

Licensure/ Certifications:
N/A

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.