Department of Neurology

Department of Neurology

Research Assistant, Human Neuron Core

Translational Neuroscience Center
Boston Children’s Hospital

The individual will be trained using cutting-edge technologies and learn valuable laboratory skills
involving disease-modeling, differentiation and phenotyping assays. The research assistant will
coordinate with the clinical team to collect and process blood/skin samples from patients with rare
neurological disorders. The individual is expected to work closely with other researchers at the Human
Neuron Core to maintain and optimize quality control protocols with respect to induced pluripotent stem
cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neuron differentiation. The research assistant will coordinate
shipping/receiving reprogrammed primary samples and iPSCs to and from collaborators. Candidate is
expected to actively participate in core meeting discussions and presentations.

This position will be responsible for:

• Tissue culture and quality control of fibroblasts, iPSC, and neuron differentiation.
• Running both differentiation and phenotyping assays, including but not limited to: PCR,
immunocytochemistry, Western Blot, and ArrayScan high content analysis.
• Lab maintenance, i.e. ordering supplies, general upkeep, etc.
• Primary tissue processing with human blood and skin biopsies.
• Coordinating with the clinical team to receive patient samples.
• Keeping good records of processed samples and entering information in core inventory.
• Organizing and cryopreserving processed samples in liquid nitrogen tank.

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 on rotating schedule.
• Experience with cell culture required.
• Past research experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, or neuroscience at the
undergraduate level or beyond, preferred.
• Excellent communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills a must.

The selected applicant will begin in January 2019. This is a two-year, full-time, salaried position with
affordable health, vision, and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement savings plan, pension, tuition
reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts, and discounted rates on T-passes (50% off).

For questions or to submit your resume please contact:

Denise McGinnis, ScD
Scientific Program Manager
Denise.McGinnis@childrens.harvard.edu