Research Assistant I- D'Gama Lab Newborn Medicine

We are seeking a highly motivated and well-organized individual for a full-time research assistant position in the D'Gama Lab at Boston Children's Hospital Division of Newborn Medicine. The D'Gama Lab aims to advance equitable precision medicine for infants and children with neurological and genetic conditions, especially infants with epilepsy and related neurogenetic disorders. Under the immediate supervision of a pediatric physician-scientist, the individual will engage in translational research at the intersection of newborn medicine, developmental neuroscience, and genetics and genomics. The D'Gama Lab fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment with rigorous training, opportunities for co-authorship, and valuable experience for careers in medicine and science.
This research assistant I will be responsible for:

• 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 quality of specimens is poor.
• Performs the following techniques typically required for the laboratory/study:
  • 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, and prepare media and other materials using appropriate procedures.
  • Inventories supplies, alerts supervisor to needed supplies, or mixes standard reagents.
  • Processes order for supplies. 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.
• Consents and recruits patients for research studies through personal interviews and written communications with patients/families. Provides detailed background information regarding studies to families, communicates all policies and procedures, and responds to all inquiries.
• Serves as liaison to the families/patients in the research studies, guiding and advising them throughout each phase of the study. Coordinates follow up visits as necessary. Acts as a resource to study participants, addressing any concerns they may have. Troubleshoots resolution of any issues that may arise throughout the study.
• Coordinates and prepares the necessary documentation for Institutional Review Board IRB and Committee on Clinical Investigations CCI submissions, together with the Principal Investigator of the study.
• Creates and prepares data collection statistical reports and analytical summaries for distribution to study research team for review and analysis.
• Participates in the training of newly hired research study assistants, as required.
• Coordinates activities between the hospital and research laboratories to ensure correct testing/processing and send out instructions specific to the study. Communicates project policies and procedures to personnel. Monitors and reviews data collection and data entry, and informed consent procedures ensuring consistency of application for each study.
• Performs other miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned or required.

In order to qualify, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree in STEM or Psychology.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles. Analytical skills to gather and interpret data in which the information or problems are moderately complex to complex.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Well-developed communication skills in order to provide critical information to patients, effectively deal with conflicting views or issues, and the ability to mediate fair solutions.
• A two-year time commitment is preferred.