Research Assistant I

Position Summary/ Department Summary:
Ke Yuan Lab: Research Assistant I

The Yuan Lab at the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support our basic research portfolio. Our research program (www.yuankelab.com) is to understand the cellular and molecular processes during vascular remodeling. Yuan laboratory focuses on understanding pericyte (PC) biology and defining the role of vascular cells, particularly PCs, SMCs and other mural cells, in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our ultimate goal is to restore functional vessels and facilitate new avenues of therapeutic targeting in PAH. This role will be central for all on-going laboratory activities using state-of-the-art techniques to study the lineage changes of vascular cells in rodent and human samples.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of routine and specialized laboratory experiments, specimen preparations and experimental procedures for research. Assists in using specialized laboratory equipment and analyzing data generated by this equipment.
• 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 the quality of specimens is poor.
• Performs the following techniques typically required for the laboratory/study:
  • Performs processing of lung tissue, blood from both rodent and human samples.
  • Performs nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA) and characterization.
  • Assists in PCR, qPCR, Western blotting and other common molecular biology techniques setup.
  • Assists in tissue culture.
  • 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, 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 or supervisor.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• A Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Being a team player is a must.
• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, tissue culture and/or laboratory animals is a plus.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.