Research Assistant II - Osterweil Lab

Position Summary
A Research Assistant position is available in the Osterweil lab at Boston Children’s Hospital. The individual will join a fast-paced translational team that uses human brain slice and rodent models to study neurological disease (www.osterlab.org/). The candidate will contribute to projects using advanced molecular and cellular techniques (scRNA-seq, TRAP-seq), electrophysiology, and 2-photon GCAMP calcium imaging, and acquire the skills needed to perform and analyze experiments. They will be a full member of collaborations with academic investigators as well as clinician scientists focused on treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. The candidate will be expected to present regularly at laboratory meetings and will have the opportunity present their research at local and national conferences and will be included in publications resulting from their efforts.

The position will focus on supporting research on identifying the mechanistic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders. The candidate will support research on identifying molecular, physiological and behavioral changes in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and testing novel therapeutic strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping.
• Molecular biology assays including qPCR.
• Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging.
• Assisting in mouse behavioral tasks and in vivo electrophysiology.
• Support of laboratory operations (ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, laboratory representation in institutional groups, animal protocol upkeep).

 
Minimum Qualifications
Education: 

• A BA/BS degree in Biology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Neurobiology or related field.

Experience: 

• Minimum of one year of relevant work experience.
• Past research experience in pharmacology, cell or molecular biology, genetics, or neuroscience at the undergraduate level or beyond, preferred.
• Experience with molecular biology and rodent colony management is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills are a must.