Research Assistant – Thiagarajah Lab

Position Summary

A Research Assistant position is available in the Division of Gastroenterology at Boston Children’s Hospital in the lab of Dr. Jay Thiagarajah. This position is ideal for candidates interested in basic and translational gastroenterology research. The Research Assistant will work as part of a team of scientists and clinicians who focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Direct involvement in lab-based projects and assisting other laboratory members.
• Under general supervision, performing a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests, specimen preparations and experimental procedures for the purpose of research.
• Collaborate with members of the Thiagarajah lab to implement and execute cell culture, generation of DNA constructs, and study of gene function using molecular and cellular assays.
• Collaborating with members of the Thiagarajah lab to consent and recruit patients for research studies through personal interviews and written communications with patients/families. Provide detailed background information regarding studies to families, communicate all policies and procedures, and respond to all inquiries.
• Development and optimization of cell-based assays for novel drug discovery.
• Participating in laboratory meetings and presentations.
• Maintaining records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed.
• Maintaining equipment, lab area and supplies in a neat professional manner. Sterilizing and cleaning glassware, preparing media and other materials using appropriate procedures.
• Contribute to presentations, technical reports and research publications.
• Perform statistical analyses and data quality assessments to ensure robust and reliable results

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a closely related field is required

• The analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• The candidate must be organized and detail-oriented, proactive, able to work independently as a member of a team, have good problem solving skills and strong written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable interacting with patients and families as well as patient samples.
• Experience in one or more of these experimental techniques: cell culture, molecular biology, cell based assays, mouse husbandry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.)
• General interest in gastrointestinal physiology and disease
• Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, R, REDCap), basic programming and/or bioinformatics analysis will be an asset
• Prior experience in a research laboratory is preferred

In addition to completing the online application, interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Jay Thiagarajah by email: jay.thiagarajahvard.edu

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.