Research Assistant II-Chatila Lab

Position Summary

The Research Assistant working in the Chatila Lab in the Division of Immunology at Boston Children’s Hospital will work with a team of post-doctoral researchers and the PI to decipher fundamental genetic pathways that regulate immune tolerance and how perturbations in these pathways result in different human allergic and autoimmune diseases.

• Responsible for learning, designing and performing a variety of routine laboratory experiments and procedures including processing of human blood samples, tissue culturing of human and mouse immune cells, handling and genotyping mice, tissue dissection, immunoblotting and flow cytometric studies utilizing standard laboratory equipment, as well as analyzing and interpreting results.
• Assists in troubleshooting procedures and conducts literature searches and reviews, compiling information for journals and suggesting uses for new techniques to the PI.
• Meet with PI and postdocs to discuss their own project and participate in lab meetings and other opportunities to present their work.
• Attends courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques.
• Contributes to the team within and between departments and organizations.
• 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.
  • Sterilizes glassware and prepares media and other materials using appropriate procedures.
  • Inventories supplies, alerts supervisor to needed supplies, or mixes standard reagents.
  • Processes orders 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.
  • Assists in general lab operations and upkeep.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics, molecular biology, or related fields.

• One year of related experience is required.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and cell culture preferred such as PCR, qPCR, WB, cell culture, FACS, microscopy, etc.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to engage with multiple projects in a research environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.