The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases is seeking to hire a highly qualified and motivated Technical Research Assistant I (TRAI) to investigate the role of the microbiome and the immune system in models of neurologic disease. Working in lab of Laura Cox, the TRAI will execute protocols involving a variety of routine and non-routine experiments at a professional level, including but not exclusively involving administering treatments to animal models of neurologic disease, characterizing behavior and pathology in animal models, performing flow cytometry, ELISAs, DNA extraction, PCR, and culturing bacteria. The Technical Research Assistant will records test results in an orderly fashion and maintains accurate laboratory notes as well as maintain laboratory supplies.

An ideal candidate will have some experience with laboratory procedures and working with mice. In addition, training will be provided on the job for specific procedures.

Along with your CV, candidates should include a cover letter that describes your research experience, your ability to work in a collaborative environment, and your motivation for applying for this position. Seeking candidates that can commit to the position for two years.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. As directed, administers bacteria or immunomodulatory agents to animal models of neurologic diseases. Will be required to handle mice including treatment administration (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections) and behavioral tests.
2. Learn to operate Flow Cytometry machinery.
3. Perform routine immunology techniques such as ELISA, western blot and basic procedures on laboratory animals; and molecular biology techniques like RNA purification, DNA purification and cloning.
4. Maintain mouse colonies and to keep record of mouse strains and breeding.
5. Culture bacteria from the microbiome and maintains stocks.
6. Performs routine molecular experiments, including DNA extraction, and 16S rRNA amplicon library preparation.
7. Processes and freezes biologic specimens (blood, saliva, urine, and stool) from patients collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of patients with multiple sclerosis. Aliquoting and freezing of stool samples.
8. Maintains and orders supplies when needed. Assists with cleaning, and maintaining the laboratory area in a neat and orderly condition.
9. Maintains laboratory notebook of daily activities including all experiments and procedures.
10. Orders laboratory reagents and supplies. Maintaining equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner.
11. Conducts literature searches and review, compiling information from journals and suggesting uses of new techniques of research and laboratory techniques, consulting with other researchers and techniques to exchange information.
12. Attends courses in safety procedures for the handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances, ensuring that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with such procedures.
13. Performs other duties as assigned or as position requires.

QUALIFICATIONS:
BS in a biological/physical science with hands-on experience in any biology field required. Should have previous experience of working in a research lab and familiarity with basic laboratory instruments, equipment, and scientific procedures.Must have at least one-year experience in a setting directly related to research

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Must have a sound understanding of laboratory practices and procedures, usually acquired through one to three months on the job training.
2. Ability to manage work processes in a neat and orderly way, to follow instructions, and to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
3. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work with attention to detail and punctuality.
4. On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessary.
5. Must have good manual dexterity and be able to carry items weighing up to 30 lbs.
6. Good organizational and record keeping skills, detail oriented.
7. Good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
8. Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
9. Sound degree of computer literacy.

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.