Research Assistant I

General Summary:

The Laboratory of Stephen C. Harrison is seeking a highly skilled and self-motivated individual with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or other closely related field to join our research group. The project is part of a multi-laboratory collaboration concerning new directions in influenza vaccine design. The research is at the interface of virology, immunology and structural biology. Applicants should have the communication skills and motivation to work in a highly collaborative environment. Please visit our site at https://www.fluproject.org/

Principal Duties:

• 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant laboratory experience required.
• Experience with and good understanding of approaches and methods in molecular biology (PCR, molecular cloning, etc) and biochemistry (protein expression in heterologous systems, chromatography etc.).
• Experience with tissue culture is desirable.
• Work requires analytical skills to resolve problems requiring the use of basic scientific, mathematical, and technical principles.
• A two-year commitment is expected.

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.