Research Assistant at HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL TEACHING HOSPITAL

 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL TEACHING HOSPITAL

Research Assistant I

Job Summary: Under supervision of the principal investigator (PI: Dr. Maria Mavrikaki), conducts a variety of experiments using in vivo rodent models, molecular and/or cell biology techniques. The project aims to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder. Additionally, the research assistant may participate in other ongoing projects within the lab, which focus on assessing the molecular mechanisms associated with aging in the human brain. These projects involve surgical procedures on rats, behavioral experiments, tissue sectioning, and contributions to ongoing wet lab experiments related to RNA biology. Besides contributing to research projects, the research assistant will handle tasks such as ordering research material, maintaining lab organization, and documenting test results.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of this position.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Conducts procedures and tests following established procedures, which may include intravenous catheterization, stereotaxic surgeries and behavioral assays in rats, assays such as RNA isolation, qPCR, and tissue sectioning. Contribute to ongoing mouse studies under the supervision of the Pl or a postdoc.

2.

May write standard operating procedures for documentation and make informal presentations of these procedures to others in the lab.

3. Due to the dynamic environment in which research exists, must show flexibility in performing principal duties and responsibilities as research projects evolve.

4. Attends Medical Center lectures regarding all safety requirements/conditions. Attends courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research.

5. May demonstrate routine laboratory tasks to tests to students and other research personnel.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Maintains own supplies and is responsible for ordering supplies for the lab

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience or a related scientific field required.

2. 0-1 years of related work experience required.

3.

Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment, computers (databases, spreadsheets) and scientific procedures.

4. Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.

Additional Qualifications:

1. Previous experience with rodent surgeries and/or behavioral studies in rodents is a plus, but not required. 

2. Previous experience with tissue sectioning is a plus, but not required.