Senior Research Assistant BWH Neurology

The Yang lab within the Alzheimer Prevention Program (APP) and Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment (CART) at Brigham and Women's Hospital are looking to hire a highly motivated Research Assistant II. We are dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias through our multidisciplinary approach spanning clinical data collection, sample biobanking, and translational research.

A central task of this position will be to assist in translational research projects. Our projects include detailed peripheral immune profiling from Alzheimer's disease cohorts, plasma biomarker assays, and cell culture experiments. The candidate should be able to learn and apply various experimental techniques such as flow cytometry, sample preparation for next-generation sequencing, cell culture techniques, isolating cell lines, other cell biological assays, neuronal activity assays, Western blotting, and plasmid DNA cloning. In addition, as a part of the larger biobanking team, the candidate will be expected to aid in the processing, aliquoting, and banking of biofluids (including blood and cerebrospinal fluid). Qualified candidates must have laboratory experience in laboratory medicine, clinical medicine, cell biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry. This position will be part of a research team with input in overall project design. The team will also collaborate with the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases. We expect this position to require on-site work most of the time.

Our research group is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. We strive to represent the communities we serve; candidates from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under general supervision, perform cell flow cytometry, sample processing and preparation for next-generation sequencing, and in vitro immune phenotyping (e.g., macrophage stimulation assay).
• Under general supervision, perform cell culture, including isolation neurons, iPSCs, iPSC differentiated neurons, and standard immortalized laboratory cell lines.
• General molecular biology e.g. cloning, plasmid preps, genomic DNA and RNA isolation, PCR.
• Assist in the orientation, training, and evaluation of new staff in established laboratory techniques.
• Coordinates daily schedule of experiments.
• Participates in the design and modification of research protocols.
• Responsible for data management: collects, records, tabulates and presents data. Creates graphs of experimental, performs statistical tests, and discusses progress of work regularly with supervisor.
• Process, label, and store biofluid samples (including blood and cerebrospinal fluid).
• Oversee lab inventory and ordering.
• Assist with coordination of record keeping, lab organization, safety activities for the lab.
• Conduct assays/experiments independently.
• Collaborate in establishing a Biobanking infrastructure in the Yang/Chhatwal/Liu Lab.
• Co-supervise students/interns.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A/B.S. required, with some experience in biology wet labs (molecular or cell biology or biochemistry, either in a job-related or school/course-related setting).
• A Master's degree or other advanced degree is strongly considered.
• 3+ year relevant experience post-grad.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly motivated, able to show initiative in his/her work.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High level of organization with attention to detail.
• High level of discretion, as some studies involve highly sensitive and private information.
• Ability to follow directions and protocol requirements.
• Well-developed computer skills.
• Experience with immune phenotyping (e.g., flow cytometry or other relevant immunology experiments) and/or bioinformatics (e.g., analysis of next-generation sequencing data) is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal laboratory environment.
• Hazardous materials are used in some of the experiments conducted.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Supervise 1-2 students/interns.

EEO Statement

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.