RESEARCH SPECIALIST 1, School of Medicine, Pathology & Lab Medicine

Research Specialist 1 The Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Research Group in the Pathology Department at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is seeking applicants for a research specialist position to work on projects to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of AD because preventative and therapeutic strategies are needed and depend on access to reliable biomarkers for early detection. The primary purpose of the position is to perform and assist in research projects aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by dysregulated neural gene expression triggered by combinations of genetic and environmental risk factors. As a result, the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs is altered. The position will involve studying ncRNAs expression in human postmortem brain tissue samples in combination with functional studies in in vitro experimental models. Primary responsibilities include performing in vitro functional studies of ncRNAs biomarker candidates in neuronal and glial cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cell (hIPSC); the associated activities include maintaining iPSC cells, applying differentiation protocols to generate iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and performing functional tests on these cells. In addition, primary responsibilities include immunofluorescence labeling of cells and neuropil structures in sections of human postmortem cortices, performing laser-capture microdissection (LCM) of cortical structures, extracting RNA, and performing qPCR. Additional duties will include collating data, maintaining databases, writing and modifying research protocols, and performing guided analyses to address specific hypotheses. Experience with histological procedures and microscopy is desired. The position will also involve synthesizing previous research studies to formulate hypotheses and to write manuscripts for publication. The position is highly collaborative.

Required Skills

Bachelors degree and 1-3 years experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.