Research Assistant I- Beggs Lab

Position Summary
The Beggs Laboratory studies the basic biology of skeletal muscles and uses this information to understand the genes and proteins involved in the cause of neuromuscular disorders. This Research Assistant will work closely with experienced postdoctoral fellows and other laboratory staff on projects to discover the genetic causes of muscle disease, and develop gene therapies and other approaches to treatment. Prior experience working with mice in a research setting is a plus, although not required. Primary tasks will include managing the laboratory mouse colony, phenotyping and genotyping the animals, and participating in research studies to develop gene therapy and other treatments for neuromuscular disease. Related research activities will also include analyzing and confirming results from genomic sequencing of patients with rare neuromuscular conditions, assisting with zebrafish and cell culture studies, and other laboratory tasks as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
  • 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.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or Psychology

Experience:

• Prior experience working with mice preferred
• 2 year commitment preferred
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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.