Job Summary
The Park Lab at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School is seeking highly motivated applicants for the position of Research Assistant in the lab. We identify and define key mechanisms whereby extracellular matrix (ECM) components regulate molecular and cellular processes that control the onset, progression, and outcome of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. For example, we found that proteoglycans inhibit innate immune responses in the lung, cornea, and liver to limit inflammatory tissue injury, but that certain pathogens exploit these fundamental functions of proteoglycans to inhibit immune clearance and promote their pathogenesis. We are interested in cell-matrix and host-pathogen interactions that shape immune responses, tissue repair processes, and matrix remodeling mechanisms. Research in the Park Lab is multidisciplinary and takes advantage of genetically modified mice, primary cell cultures, engineered cell lines, high throughput technologies and diagnostics, and a wide range of molecular, biochemical, cellular, microbiological, glycobiological, structural, and histological techniques.
https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/divisions/respiratory-diseases-research
This Research Assistant I/II will be responsible for:

• Analyzing data, preparing charts, graphs, and cartoon models from the results of studies
• Ordering of reagents, maintenance of lab in general
• Animal care (splitting, breeding, weaning)
• Depending on ability, leading a component of an NIH-funded research project
• The research assistant will perform cellular, molecular and/or physiological experiments independently
• 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.
• Assists in troubleshooting procedures if experimental results are unexpected or quality of specimens is poor.
• 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.
  • Attends courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques, consulting with other researchers and technicians to exchange information.
  • Contributes to the team within and between departments and organizations.

In order to qualify you must:

• Have a bachelor's degree
• laboratory experience, the ability to accurately follow experimental protocols, a goal-oriented attitude and approaches, the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and good organizational skills.
• Experience or willingness to work with small animals is a plus.

Boston Children's Hospital offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits including 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.

Return to Search Results