RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2, School of Medicine, Neurology

Research Assistant II will be learning firsthand neuropathology and genomics at the BU CTE center. The position will involve assisting staff in managing and performing operations within the brain bank. Duties will include collecting, processing, and staining tissue that is used for neuropathology autopsies. Additionally, a major duty of the position will be to manage and perform experiments using the 10x Genomics Xenium Spatial Transcriptomics platform. The position will be heavily involved in next generation genomics and downstream data analyses with the goal of identifying novel mechanisms for neurodegenerative diseases.

Essential function 1:

60% Performing spatial transcriptomic experiments. This will be using the Xenium machine to perform spatial transcriptomic experiments related to better understanding neurodegenerative changes after head trauma. Preparing tissue samples, running experimental kits, performing quality control, and data analyses will be involved. You will be expected to build a comprehensive understanding of the machine and involved processes.

Essential Function 2:

20% Assist in tissue collection request for the brain bank. When not using the Xenium System, the position will be involved in collecting tissue samples related to requests from external and internal investigators.

Essential Function 3:

10% Assist the brain bank daily operations. The position will be involved in the day to day operations of the BU CTE brain bank and assist in tissue processing and staining that is needed for neuropathology autopsies.

Required Skills

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and some experience in neuroscience or a related field (preferably 1-4 years). The position will require some background in genomic or molecular techniques. You will also be asked to ensure all corporate safety, quality control and quality assurance standards are met, maintain a clean and well-organized work area, and perform limited administrative tasks, and other duties assigned by your direct supervisor.

There will be an occasion to travel to Boston University School of Medicine and VA Healthcare Bedford, applicant should have some mode of transportation or access to transportation.

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.