Research Assistant II – Ordovas-Montanes Lab

The Ordovas-Montanes Lab is seeking a motivated Research Assistant II to join the team in the Division of Gastroenterology. The Ordovas-Montanes Lab specializes in understanding the principles of how inflammation drives memory formation in barrier tissues with the goal of developing new therapeutic avenues for human disease. This candidate will help to contribute to a collaborative project to understand mucosal immunity to respiratory infection and vaccination. The candidate will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Jose Ordovas-Montanes and be closely integrated within the community of senior scientists, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab. The selected individual will be mentored to become an independent scientist and properly trained in experimental design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and the communication of results to the lab and larger community.

This position offers an opportunity to develop a wide range of fundamental skills in both experimental and computational biological sciences while working in an interdisciplinary environment with access to resources across Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The ideal candidate seeks to understand the basic biological principles of infection-induced inflammatory diseases and is interested in pursuing further postgraduate education in a related field.

This Research Assistant II will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing:
  • Experimental human sample processing workflows for single-cell RNA-sequencing
  • Air-liquid interface culture models
  • Bioinformatic analyses in R/python
• According to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules
• Assisting in troubleshooting procedures if administration of tests does not go as expected
• Carrying out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols
• Sterilizing and cleaning glassware, and preparing media and other materials using appropriate procedures

To qualify, you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with coursework in biology, immunology, chemistry and/or genomics with 2+ year(s) of bench experience (inclusive of undergraduate work)
• Strong communication, critical thinking, problem solving and time management skills
• The ability to learn quickly and work independently as part of a larger team
• The desire to learn, develop and execute new assays or techniques either experimental or computational
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology is necessary
• Experience with single-cell RNA-sequencing methods and data analysis in R and/or python are assets, but not required

BCH 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.