Research Assistant Positions

The Miller lab welcomes highly motivated individuals to apply to join our lab as a research assistant (position level commensurate with experience). Our lab provides an exciting and challenging intellectual environment for the study of neurodegenerative diseases, genomics, and the biology of single cells. Our research is based in the laboratory, with significant computational analysis, and links to clinical activities for interested lab members. Lab-based research assistants perform a wide range of molecular biology, tissue preparation, cell culture, cell sorting, and other experiments, and assist with organization of the group. Computationally focused research assistants focus on maintaining and analyzing datasets, using high-performance computing clusters, command-line interfaces, and a range of bioinformatic tools. Through this work, research assistants routinely have the opportunity to participate as co-authors on publications that include their work, and will undertake an individual project on which they will work with considerable independence. 

We are excited to teach the next generation of future scientists and physicians here in the unique environment of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. For this reason, we encourage candidates to utilize a research assistant position in our group as preparation for PhD, MD-PhD, or MD programs. Previous research experience is expected. Successful applicants are expected to make a two-year commitment to our group, which enables us to fully train and incorporate the candidate into our group and also to provide the necessary experience and support for the long-term career success of the candidate. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

Activities

In our group, lab-based research assistants:

• Perform a variety of experimental procedures utilizing cutting-edge laboratory equipment and methods (examples include dissection of human or rodent tissue, isolation of cells and nuclei, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, genomic preparation, DNA quantitation, polymerase chain reaction)

• Record and check experimental results for completeness, maintain records of results and methodologies in logs and laboratory notebook, perform statistical tests and other data analyses

• Maintain equipment, lab area, and supplies in a neat professional manner

• Sterilize and clean glassware, prepare media and other materials using appropriate procedures

• Order and inventory supplies, prepare and aliquot standard reagents

• Attend courses on safety procedures various materials, and carry out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols

• Attend courses, lectures, and conferences to further one's knowledge of research and laboratory techniques and further the mission of the overall group

• Consult and communicate with other lab members, collaborators, and other researchers in professional and helpful manner; may assist in orientation/training of new staff and perform other organizational duties

• Contribute to positive and enthusiastic culture of the lab, and represent lab within and between departments and organizations

Qualifications

• B.A., B.S., or equivalent bachelor's degree or greater, in biology/neuroscience/genetics/chemistry/computer science/engineering/mathematics or a related field.

• Strong motivation, high level of organization

• Previous laboratory research experience is preferred

• Minimum two-year commitment

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a research assistant with our team, please send us an email with your CV, a cover letter outlining your goals for your time in the lab, your current college transcript, and a list of 3 references and their contact information (name, institution, email, phone number).

We look forward to hearing your goals, ideas, and how we can help you develop your future!