Research Assistant I- The Park Lab - Boston Children's Hospital

The Park Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School is seeking highly motivated applicants for the position of Research Assistant in the lab. We identify and define key mechanisms whereby extracellular matrix (ECM) components regulate molecular and cellular processes that control the onset, progression, and outcome of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. For example, we found that proteoglycans inhibit innate immune responses in the lung, cornea, and liver to limit inflammatory tissue injury, but that certain pathogens exploit these fundamental functions of proteoglycans to inhibit immune clearance and promote their pathogenesis.

We are interested in cell-matrix and host-pathogen interactions that shape immune responses, tissue repair processes, and matrix remodeling mechanisms. Research in the Park Lab is multidisciplinary and takes advantage of genetically modified mice, primary cell cultures, engineered cell lines, high throughput technologies and diagnostics, and a wide range of molecular, biochemical, cellular, microbiological, glycobiological, structural, and histological techniques.
 
The Research Assistant will be responsible for:

• Troubleshoots procedures if experimental results are unexpected or quality of specimens is poor. May suggest alternative routine procedures to crosscheck own findings.
• Performs techniques typically required for the laboratory/study.
• Assists with planning specific research procedures, coordinating schedules of experiments and procedures. Develops and troubleshoots new techniques specific to the lab. 
• Maintains accurate records of results and methodologies into a log of work performed.
• Compiles and helps analyze data, preparing charts, graphs, and results of studies. 
• Demonstrates basic laboratory techniques to laboratory assistants and technicians, research fellows, residents and students.
• Contributes to the team within and between departments and organizations.
• Performing experiments under supervision.
• Analyzing data, preparing charts, graphs, and cartoon models from the results of studies.
• Ordering of reagents, maintenance of lab in general.
• Animal care (splitting, breeding, weaning).
• Depending on ability, leading a component of an NIH-funded research project.

In order to qaulify, you must have: 

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM or Psychology. 
• One year of laboratory experience is preferred. 
• The ability to accurately follow experimental protocols.
• A goal-oriented attitude and approach.
• Experience or willingness to work with small animals is a plus.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and good organizational skills. 

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. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.
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