What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant I NEUROLOGY Khurana Lab position at MGB?
The candidate will work independently under the supervision of Vikram Khurana, MD, PhD, and a senior researcher in the Khurana lab (instructor/assistant professor). Depending on the specific project needs and candidate skill set, the role will range from molecular biology focused bench work to development and optimization of assays for viability/toxicity in iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) derived neurons. These assays will include techniques such as flow cytometry, longitudinal imaging of neurons, plate-based live cell and calorimetric assays and western blotting. The candidate is expected to be diligent, highly organized, and collegial.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Maintenance, passaging, cataloguing, and culturing of iPSC cells.
2. Differentiation iPSCs to neurons and glia and aging of these cultures.
3. Maintenance of Attune flow cytometry and ordering the related reagents
4. Measuring and scheduling of longitudinal imaging with Incucyte and Nikon Biostation microscope
5. Maintenance of HEK293 cells, generation of stable cell lines.
6. Helping with molecular cloning; Gibson assembly, gateway cloning, mini/maxi preps
7. The candidate will analyze data from western blot/ microscopy/ flow cytometry
8. The candidate will have excellent lab note-keeping habits, mostly digital (LabArchieves) and will generate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab
9. The candidate will have excellent organizational skills, labeling of experiments, file management,
10. The candidate will report daily to the immediate supervisor and weekly to the Principal investigator.
11. The candidate will interact with junior and senior member of the lab to troubleshoot experiments.
12. The candidate will share lab duties with other technicians.
13. Other assignments might be given depending on the project needs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor of Science degree
2. Good cell culture experience with human cells (HEK293 or any other immortalized line)
3. iPSC stem cell culture experience is a plus but not required.
4. Excellent cell culture practice/sterile techniques are necessary.
5. Medium to high level of computer literacy and a basic understanding of statistical concepts are needed.
6. Basic understanding of molecular techniques, microscopy, flow cytometry is desired.
7. Understanding of basic molecular concepts: molecular cloning, western blot, RNA isolation, qPCR, western blot is desired.
SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- 1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- 2. High interpersonal skills are required for working in a highly diverse lab.
- 3. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
- 4. Excellent data management skills and attention to details.
- 5. Good presentation skills are a plus.
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.
Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity 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.