Research Assistant - Thiagarajah Lab

Position: Research Assistant I - Thiagarajah Lab
Job Posting Description

Position Summary:
A Research Assistant position is available in the Division of Gastroenterology at Boston Children's Hospital in the lab of Dr. Jay Thiagarajah. This position is ideal for candidates interested in basic and translational gastroenterology research. The Research Assistant will work as part of a team of scientists and clinicians who focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of genetic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct involvement in lab-based projects and assisting other laboratory members.
• Under general supervision, performing a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests, specimen preparations and experimental procedures for the purpose of research.
• Collaborate with members of the Thiagarajah lab to implement and execute cell culture, generation of DNA constructs, and study of gene function using molecular and cellular assays.
• Collaborating with members of the Thiagarajah lab to consent and recruit patients for research studies through personal interviews and written communications with patients/families. Provide detailed background information regarding studies to families, communicate all policies and procedures, and respond to all inquiries.
• Development and optimization of cell-based assays for novel drug discovery.
• Participating in laboratory meetings and presentations.
• Maintaining records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed.
• Maintaining equipment, lab area and supplies in a neat professional manner. Sterilizing and cleaning glassware, preparing media and other materials using appropriate procedures.
• Contribute to presentations, technical reports and research publications.
• Perform statistical analyses and data quality assessments to ensure robust and reliable results

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a closely related field is required

Experience:

• The analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• The candidate must be organized and detail-oriented, proactive, able to work independently as a member of a team, have good problem solving skills and strong written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable interacting with patients and families as well as patient samples.
• Experience in one or more of these experimental techniques: cell culture, molecular biology, cell based assays, mouse husbandry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.)
• General interest in gastrointestinal physiology and disease
• Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, R, REDCap), basic programming and/or bioinformatics analysis will be an asset
• Prior experience in a research laboratory is preferred

In addition to completing the online application, interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Jay Thiagarajah by email: jay.thiagarajahvard.edu