Research Assistant II - Ordovas-Montanes Lab

This Research Assistant position, will join the Ordovas-Montanes Lab, which specializes in understanding the principles of how inflammation drives memory formation in barrier tissues with the goal of developing new therapeutic avenues for human disease. The lab currently focuses on how recurrent intestinal inflammation may shape cellular interactions and inform disease development. The candidate will work under the direct supervision of Dr.

Jose Ordovas-Montanes and Dr. Joshua de Sousa Casal, while being closely integrated within the community of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants in the lab. The core techniques learned and applied will include molecular cloning and viral vector production, cell culture and organoid models, as well as animal work and husbandry. Readouts will include flow cytometry, microscopy and single-cell RNA-sequencing.

The selected individual will be mentored to become an independent scientist and properly trained in experimental design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and the communication of results to the lab and larger community.

This position offers an opportunity to develop a wide range of fundamental skills in the biological sciences while working in an interdisciplinary environment with access to resources across Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The ideal candidate seeks to understand the basic biological principles of inflammation and immunity, and is interested in pursuing further postgraduate education in a related field.

The candidate will have the opportunity to learn single-cell principles and computational skills through the Cell Discovery Network.

• Performs a variety of routine laboratory experiments and procedures, utilizing standard laboratory equipment, recording and checking results for completeness and accuracy.
• Troubleshoots procedures if experimental results are unexpected or quality of specimens is poor. May suggest alternative routine procedures to crosscheck own findings. Performs techniques typically required for the laboratory/study.
• Assists with planning specific research procedures, coordinating schedules of experiments and procedures. Develops and troubleshoots new techniques specific to the lab.
• Maintains accurate records of results and methodologies into a log of work performed. Compiles and helps analyze data, preparing charts, graphs, and results of studies.
• Demonstrates basic laboratory techniques to laboratory assistants and technicians, research fellows, residents and students.

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. Preferably with coursework in biology, immunology, chemistry and/or genomics with 2+ years of bench experience (inclusive of undergraduate work).

• Strong communication, critical thinking, problem solving and time management skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently as part of a larger team.
• Desire to learn, develop and execute new assays or techniques either experimental or computational.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, programming languages and molecular biology are assets, but not required.