Research Assistant: Genetic Mutations in Brain Development (full-time post-graduation)

Research Assistant: Genetic Mutations in Brain Development
Walsh Laboratory, Prof. Christopher Walsh, Harvard Medical School / Boston Childrens Hospital
full-time post-graduation


The Walsh laboratory is looking for a full-time highly motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented research assistant for a 2 year commitment to study genetic mutations during the development of the human brain using basic molecular biology and single-cell techniques. Our lab is more broadly interested in human cerebral cortical development associated with autism, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy. Requirements: (1) Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team; (2) detail oriented in documentation and communication; (3) bachelor’s degree in a relevant major; and (4) prior research experience - must have mastered basic lab skills such as pipetting, dilution factors, experimental design, and ability to follow a standard research protocol accurately without supervision. Research experience in a relevant field (e.g. molecular biology, neuroscience) will be preferred but not required. Skills and Responsibilities: Lab specific skills will be gained through training. Technical skills learned will include working for primary human frozen brain tissue, immunostaining, flow cytometry, basic molecular biology protocols (e.g., PCR), and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries. RA will be taught to analyze multiple types of genomic data and will have the opportunity to contribute intellectually to presentations and publications. The candidate will also work with other research assistants to provide basic support to the lab, such as ordering reagents and preparing stock solutions. Other Information: Student must commit to 2 year RA position.The experience is uniquely suited to students pursuing graduate school or a career at the biomedical translational interface, and we have many RAs successfully applying to MD, PhD, or combined programs during the second year. The RA will be directly supervised and mentored by physician scientist faculty in Neurology at Boston Children's Hospital – an MD-PhD senior postdoc who is faculty in the department of Neurology at Harvard Medical School – and will be part of the larger laboratory of Dr. Christopher Walsh at Boston Children’s Hospital. Compensation will be the standard salary scale for entry level academic research assistant and includes benefits for full-time employment. To Apply: For more information or to submit your CV, contact Diane.Shao@childrens.harvard.edu. (posted 6/2022)