Research Assistant I

Position Summary/ Department Summary:
The Chou Laboratory in the Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital seeks highly motivated candidates for a Research Assistant I. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team discovering genetic and molecular mechanisms essential for host immunity. Our research platform integrates basic immunology, multiomic technologies, bioinformatics, mouse models of disease, clinical immunology, and epidemiology to identify risk factors for infections and autoimmunity.

This is an ideal position for individuals planning careers in academic medicine as well as industry positions in immunology. We provide unique opportunities for developing expertise in a diverse range of techniques and analytical methods applicable to translational research. Previous research assistants in the Chou laboratory have co-authored publications and have been accepted into highly competitive medical and graduate schools as well as industry positions. This position is supervised by Dr. Chou and begins in September 2025. Candidates able to commit to this role for two consecutive years will be prioritized.

Key Responsibilities:

• Flow cytometry, cell culture, in vitro cellular assays of immune function on patient samples, primary mouse cells, and cell lines.
• Recruit and consent patients for our laboratory's research studies by evaluating potential patients and explaining study details to them.
• Generation of a biorepository of patient samples for downstream assays of immune function.
• Clinical data entry and analysis.
• Mouse colony maintenance and characterization of mouse models of human disease.
• Next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing and data analysis.
• Maintenance of laboratory supplies.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences or related field.

Experience:

• Proficiency with basic lab techniques is required.
• Ability to critically analyze scientific data and to adapt existing scientific methodologies.
• Ability to work independently within the context of supportive mentorship.
• We seek candidates who are proactive, with superb time management and organizational skills.