Research Assistant, Sargent College, Physical Therapy/Athletic Training

Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College is one of the country's leading schools of health and rehabilitation sciences. Home to more than 1300 undergraduate and 450 graduate students, Sargent College combines outstanding faculty and cutting-edge research to provide superb education and clinical experiences. The college has more than 25 on-campus research facilities, clinical centers, and labs. It offers top-ranked degree programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, language and hearing sciences, health science, athletic training, human physiology, behavior and health, and nutrition. The Skeletal Muscle Physiology Laboratory, directed by Dr. LaDora V. Thompson, seeks to inform and/or help develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat sarcopenia and frailty that may occur with aging and disease. Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging and, when severe, can contribute to frailty in the elderly which is associated with increased risk of falls, a decline in function and diminished overall health. The research laboratory hopes to identify specific therapeutic targets within skeletal muscle to prevent, retard, or reverse the process of muscle degeneration and therefore help maintain overall health and function. The Research Assistant will sustain and support a culture that celebrates the diversity of individuals and ideas, which values accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Sargent College believes the cultural and social diversity of our faculty, staff, and students is vitally important to our academic mission of excellence. We welcome candidates who support our commitment to ensuring BU is an inclusive, equitable, and diverse place where everyone can thrive.

General Position Description

The research assistant will assist the technical and non-technical aspects of laboratory work and support the ongoing biomedical research in the laboratory (studies on mice, skeletal muscle, bone, etc.) The individual works closely with undergraduates and postdoctoral fellows under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. The individual must have a good understanding of the scientific method in terms of conducting research projects with proper controls.

Responsibilities include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Participate in the ordering, tracking, and organizing of lab supplies, laboratory safety inspections, and laboratory maintenance.
• General cellular and molecular laboratory techniques (e.g., Western Blot, RT-PCR), histology and immunohistochemistry, and mouse husbandry, handling, and animal performance testing.
• Scientific responsibilities include collecting, recording, and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and participating in IACUC submissions, writing reports, posters, and manuscripts.

Essential Functions

• Engage in laboratory management activities.
• Working with research team members in collaborative research projects with muscle and other tissue for experimentation in physiology, histology, and biochemistry.
• Working with research team members in collaborative research projects with animal handling, animal performance testing, data collection, and database management. 

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem solving, solid analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with others.
• Experience with handling mice, cellular and molecular research laboratory techniques, and graphic software. 

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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.