Job description

Pathology Lab Research Assistant

Health Science Specialist (GS-7)

VA Biorepository Brain Bank

VA Boston Healthcare System

150 S. Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02130

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working under general supervision of the Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator, the Research Assistant performs routine research and maintains records of this research, whether experimental or practical, for interpretation by senior research staff. The Research Assistant investigates the pathology and molecular biology of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and neurodegenerative disease. This research involves the study of post-mortem human samples, through techniques including immunohistochemistry and high-resolution microscopy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to Principal Investigator, Project Coordinator, and Lab Manager

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL EMPLOYEES:

· Conform to Institute and VA standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided

· Work as a team member with all staff to ensure smooth operation

· Follow established personnel and safety procedures

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Prepare for incoming tissue shipments

· Maintain cleanliness of work environment

· Data collection and entry

· Maintains laboratory notebook.

· Processes biospecimens for storage and ship outs in accordance to laboratory protocol.

· Assist on brain tissue cutting

· Harvesting frozen and formalin fixed specimens

· Oversight of equipment integrity which includes, but is not limited to, -80C freezers and 4C refrigerators among other equipment and laboratory instruments

· Organize incoming brain cases as well as inventory management and planning

· Prepares lab reagents, solutions including formaldehyde-based solutions

· Research design, facilitation, and technical assistance to investigators

· Develop & conduct high-quality substantive and methodological research

· Handles multiple projects within a fast-paced environment and is open to constant challenge and change

· Documentation and maintenance of equipment to support research techniques

· Executes protocols involving a variety of routine experiments.

· May, with supervision, work to develop new protocols and/or modifications of existing procedures and techniques

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Performs general program support work such as the collection, compilation, research, and/or tracking of data and program information

· Performs medical literature searches

· Reviews and evaluates documents/reports and/or applications for omissions and inconsistencies, and ensures data is complete and accurate

· Maintains file system of program specific data to track suspense items, milestones, progress reports and funding accomplishments

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Exposure to human tissue will be used (including blood, CSF, brain, and eyes).

· Use of chemical solutions (including formaldehyde-based solutions, among other)

· Laboratory environment and hospital clinic where there are discomforts due to extreme temperature, dust, and the like

QUALIFICATIONS AND ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry/neuroscience or a related field is required

· 1-2 years of experience preferred

· Must possess general knowledge of research methodology

· Previous experience with high-resolution microscopy, biological quantification including image analysis, genomic sequencing, protein purification, nucleic acid extraction, MATLAB and R programming, data analysis preferred

· Should be organized and detail-oriented

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Computer and database skills helpful

· Must be able to prioritize appropriately and understand biological science basics

· Demonstrated experience in managing study projects

· Should be enthusiastic and highly self-motivated, able to work alone without direct supervision

· Committed to high quality work

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Mask requirements when sharing spaces with other staff

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Jamaica Plain, MA 02130: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: One location

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