Research Assistant I- Dr. Sahin/Dr. Rotenberg Laboratory

Research assistant position available in the laboratories of Dr. Mustafa Sahin and Dr. Alexander Rotenberg at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School beginning spring 2025. The individual will join a fast-paced team that uses rodent models to study neurological disease, including epilepsy, mTOR-pathway related disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These translational groups provide experience in cutting-edge basic neuroscience research and opportunities for involvement in translational research projects.
The research assistant will support general laboratory operations and will have the opportunity to assume managerial responsibilities for collaborative research projects with academic, non-profit, and industry partners. During the assistantship, the candidate will be trained in rodent surgical techniques (including acute and chronic EEG recording and analysis and intracranial injections), molecular biology techniques, basic cell culture techniques, colony management and phenotyping, and rodent behavioral assessments. The candidate will be expected to present regularly at laboratory meetings and will have the opportunity to present their research at local and national conferences and will be included in publications resulting from their efforts. Previous RAs have all successfully transitioned to graduate/medical school or industry positions.
This Research Assistant I will be responsible for:

• Maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping* Execution of in-vivo surgical, pharmacological, and behavioral rodent experiments.
• Support of laboratory operations (e.g., equipment maintenance, preparation of stock solutions, and re-stocking of supplies).
• Molecular biology experiments (genotyping, Western blots, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, cryosectioning, immunostaining).
• Basic Cell Culture experiments (primary neuronal culture maintenance, drug treatment, media change).
• 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.
  • 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 BA/BS degree in Biology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Neurobiology or related field.
• Flexible working hours during weekdays AND weekends/holidays on a rotating schedule
• Experience with rodent models is a plus.
• Past research experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience or related field at the undergraduate level or beyond is preferred.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills are a must.
• A two-year time commitment is preferred.