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. The lab is broadly interested in human cerebral cortical development associated with autism, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy. The focus of this position will be on single-cell genomics and developmental neuroscience.
The experience is uniquely suited to students pursuing graduate school or a career at the biomedical translational interface.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team
- Detail oriented in documentation and communication
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant major
- 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.
Must commit to 2 year RA position. We have many RAs successfully applying to MD, PhD, or combined programs during the second year.
Mentor: The RA will be directly supervised by MD-PhD senior postdoc who is faculty in the department of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and be part of the larger laboratory of Dr. Christopher Walsh at Boston Children’s Hospital.
