Research Assistant Position (Agarwal Laboratory)

General Summary

The goal of Suneet Agarwal’s team at BCH is to understand and treat fatal genetic blood disorders. We study these diseases by “turning back the clock” – using new technology in stem cell biology to take cells from our patients and return them to an embryonic-like state, wherein they regain the ability to form any type of cell in the body. The knowledge gained through our work is providing new insights into disease mechanisms and innovative treatment strategies for our patients, including novel small molecules, RNA therapeutics, and genome-editing approaches. The genetic blood diseases we study are the tip of the iceberg for several other telomere biology diseases and mitochondrial disorders of children and adults, and therefore we expect our work to provide answers for a broader number of people with fatal diseases.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with basic and translational scientists in a highly collaborative and stimulating environment in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at BCH. This is an excellent opportunity for future scientists / physician-scientists who aim to further our fundamental understanding of molecular biology, and see these advances applied to human diseases.

This position has a June 2026 start date.

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. Sterilize and clean glassware and 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.
• Attend courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques, consult with other researchers and technicians to exchange information. Contributes to the team within and between departments and organizations.

Requirements

Education

• Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the biological or physical sciences.

Experience

• Technical knowledge and prior experience in molecular biology and cell culture techniques is preferred.
• The ideal applicant will be a meticulous and self-driven individual, committed to learning and working to contribute to advances in biology and medicine.
• He or she will demonstrate exceptional organizational and communication skills and be able to prioritize multiple tasks.
• A two-year commitment is required.