Research Assistant Neurology KL

The candidate will work independently under the supervision of Vikram Khurana, MD, PhD, and a senior researcher in the Khurana lab (instructor/assistant professor). The role will range from molecular biology focused bench work to development and optimization of assays for viability/toxicity in iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) derived neurons. These assays will include flow cytometry, longitudinal imaging of neurons, plate‑based live cell and calorimetric assays, and western blotting.

The candidate is expected to be diligent, highly organized, and collegial. The position also provides assistance to the Principal Investigator and Study Team in coordinating research activities that may include routine experiments with established methodologies, data collection and management, and other assigned research activities. Candidates completing their bachelor's degree have a grace period of six months from their hire date (up to one year if starting per diem) to provide degree equivalency verification.

Bachelor's Degree Science required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes

• Maintenance, passaging, cataloguing, and culturing of iPSC cells.
• Differentiation iPSCs to neurons and glia and aging of these cultures.
• Maintenance of Attune flow cytometry and ordering of related reagents.
• Measuring and scheduling of longitudinal imaging with Incucyte and Nikon Biostation microscope.
• Maintenance of HEK
  293 cells and generation of stable cell lines.
• Helping with molecular cloning:
  Gibson assembly, gateway cloning, mini/maxi preps.
• Analysis of data from western blot, microscopy, and flow cytometry.
• Maintaining excellent lab note‑keeping habits, mostly digital (Lab Archieves), and generating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab.
• Organizing labeling of experiments and file management.
• Reporting daily to the immediate supervisor and weekly to the Principal Investigator.
• Interacting with junior and senior members of the lab to troubleshoot experiments.
• Sharing lab duties with other technicians.
• Responsible for data collection, management, manipulation, analysis, and reporting.
• Managing the study cohort.
• Conducting outreach communication with subjects, mailings, follow‑up, and obtaining necessary documents.
• Assisting with epidemiological studies and other population‑based research.
• Performing other duties as assigned.
• Complying with all policies and standards.

• New graduate with some relevant coursework (0‑1 year preferred).
• Good cell culture experience with human cells (HEK
  293 or any other immortalized line).
• iPSC stem cell culture experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent cell culture practice/sterile techniques are necessary.
• Medium to high level of computer literacy and a basic understanding of statistical concepts are needed.
• Basic understanding of molecular techniques, microscopy, flow cytometry is desired.
• Understanding of basic molecular concepts: cloning, Western blot, RNA isolation, qPCR, Western blot is desired.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working in a highly diverse lab.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Excellent data management skills and attention to detail.
• Good presentation skills are a plus.
• Computer literacy, including database tools.
• Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism.

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.