Neurobiology Research Assistant

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Job Description: We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Research Assistant with a background in neurobiology who would like to apply a wide variety of research techniques. Our laboratory investigates the neurobiology of sleep; in particular, we hope to identify the neurotransmitters and neural pathways that underlie narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. If you have ever wondered why many women in menopause develop poor sleep, cognitive flexibility issues, and hot flashes, you may be interested in this research group. We have a 2+ year research position available. My name is Carrie Mahoney, I am an instructor in the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). My project is investigating the role of the wake-promoting neurons of the lateral hypothalamus, the orexin neurons, in symptoms of menopause.
The job will require handling mice, rodent surgery, conducting behavioral tests (i.e. EPM, OF with Noldus-EthoVision) recording sleep and body temperature, and analysis of FLIR-video files. Other skills required include knowledge of histology, including sectioning and immunostaining mouse brains. The Research Assistant will learn and use a variety of molecular and behavioral methods including: immunohistochemistry, PCR, rodent surgery, physiologic recordings of sleep, and fiber photometry. The applicant should have good organizational skills as they will also assist in basic laboratory management such as mouse colony maintenance and ordering supplies. Ideally, the applicant will join our lab for at least 2 years.

Days/Hours: 5 days/week, 8 hours/day, with some flexibility for independent workers
Start date: June 2, 2026, but flexible.

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conducts routine tests following established procedures, which may include assays, DNA sequencing, tissue culture, protein purification, Southern blotting, PCR analysis, electrophoresis, chromatography. (essential)

• Researches and collects basic study data through monitoring devices and maintains daily logs/basic records of methodologies and test results. With supervision, using databases, may summarize data and interpret results using descriptive statistics and basic hypothesis testing. (essential)

• Performs literature searches and library investigations as they relate to the research and/or as assigned. (essential)D

• ue to the dynamic environment in which research exists, must show flexibility in performing principal duties and responsibilities as research projects evolve. (essential)

• Attends Medical Center lectures regarding all safety requirements/conditions. Attends courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research. (essential)M

• ay demonstrate routine laboratory tasks to tests to students and other research personnel. (essential)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related scientific field required.

• 0-1 years related work experience required.

• Experience with computer systems required, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Competencies:

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.

Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.

Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.

Written Communications: Ability to read, and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.

Oral Communications: Ability to understand spoken English in order to follow basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively in basic English with patients, families and medical center staff in response to routine questions.

Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to use them in routine situations. Specialized knowledge not required.

Teamwork: Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information or deliver services.

Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Physical Nature of the Job:
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Some elements of the job are sedentary, but the employee will be required to stand for periods of time or move through out the hospital campus.

Pay Range:

$19.23 – $26.44

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Job details

• Employment: Full-time
• Hours/Week: 40
• Shift: Day
• Category: Medical/Clinical Research
• Pay Range: $19.23 - $26.44
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Req ID: JR92754