Job Summary
The Hirschhorn laboratory is looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated full-time Research Assistant to join the lab. Our group applies genetic, computational, genomic, metabolomic, and laboratory methods to study human obesity, skeletal growth, and other quantitative traits and diseases related to endocrine disorders. This bench-based laboratory position will focus on understanding how brain mechanisms regulate food intake and body weight, testing hypotheses that come from our human genetic studies. There will be opportunities for data analysis, including computational work if interested. The ideal applicant is someone who has strong undergraduate coursework, prior bench laboratory experience, and is comfortable working with rodents. We are looking for someone who will be a good complement to our friendly and collaborative lab, and who will stay in the lab for at least 2 years (preferred). Mentorship will be provided to help achieve career goals. Please see the Hirschhorn Lab website: https://www.joelhirschhornlab.org/research
The Research Assistant's research focus will be in understanding brain mechanisms that regulate food intake and energy homeostasis in obesity. How does the brain circuits are modified by metabolic signaling in relation to food intake. This research project includes in vivo and in vitro studies - including working with different mice strains, working with neuronal cultures, RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and single nuclei RNAseq.

This Research Assistant I will be responsible for:

• Mouse colony maintenance and tissue collection.
• Neuronal culture, maintenance, and treatment.
• RNA isolation.
• PCR analysis.
• RNAseq experiments.
• Microscopy imaging.
• Preparation of buffers, culture media, etc.
• Literature search and reading.
• Expected to perform other job-related duties as experiments progress.
• 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 orders for supplies and/or animals.
  • Attends courses in safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials.
• 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.

In order to qualify you must have:

• A Bachelor's Degree in STEM, with a focus on Endocrinology and Obesity is a plus.
• Some wet lab experience preferred.
• Have strong undergraduate coursework and time management skills.
• Demonstrates strong interest in our laboratory's goals.
• Knowledge and techniques related to mice work.
• Able to comfortably communicate with PI and other members of the lab.
• Have strong organizational skills.
• Have the ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities as needed.
• Able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Able to assist with planning specific research procedures.
• Is eager to learn new concepts.

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.

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