Research Assistant II

Position Summary:
A Research Assistant position is available in the Urology Research program at Boston Children's Hospital, the pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Studies in our laboratory are focused on diseases affecting the urinary tract, and investigation of therapeutic strategies to treat them. Primary responsibilities would include general animal husbandry, biochemical assays, tissue processing and staining, and day-to-day lab management. Prospective candidates should be enthusiastic, motivated and must have experience with animal (mouse/rat) handling. Exposure to large animal husbandry would also be beneficial. The candidate should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Contributes to the team within and between departments and organizations.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of relevant work experience.

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.