Research Assistant I Cellular Neuropsychiatry Lab: Stem Cell Models Of Psychiatric Disease

McLean Hospital is a comprehensive psychiatric hospital committed to providing easy access to superior quality, cost-effective mental health services in the Boston area, Massachusetts and beyond. Since 1811, McLean Hospital has been a world leader in the treatment of mental illness and chemical dependency, research into the cause of mental illness and the training of generations of mental health care providers. McLean's multidisciplinary programs treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses across the full continuum of care.

The Laboratory of Cellular Neuropsychiatry in the Program for Neuropsychiatric Research at McLean Hospital investigates disease specific differences in two major cellular pathways: myelination and bioenergetics using induced pluripotent stem cells as a model system.

This Research Assistant position supports our studies of glial abnormalities in psychiatric disease. Our work is focused on the characterization of potential mechanisms behind myelination and bioenergetic abnormalities seen in a number of psychiatric conditions. Understanding these pathways and their component parts may allow us to identify targets for therapeutics.

Working under the general supervision of a Senior Technical Research Assistant, Manager or Principal Investigator and following established policies and procedures, conducts a variety of specialized experimental procedures in human iPS cell culture and differentiation, Human fibroblast culture, fluorescence microscopy, FACS analysis, cell biology assays and molecular biology techniques. Experiments, can be moderate to complex, where methodologies may need to be optimized in consultation with the lab director. Calculates, transcribes and analyzes data using basic statistics and performs literature searches.

Availability for on-call duties and/or flexibility in work schedule, non-standard work week is at times necessary due to the requirements of iPS cell culture and the design of the studies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under general supervision, performs routine experiments, which can be moderate to complex. Experiments include mammalian tissue culture, expansion and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPScs), fluorescent microscopy, and preparing special materials.

• Maintains long-term tissue cultures of differentiated iPS cell lines and monitors cells for viability and contamination.

• Record data, summarizes, and analyzes results using basic statistics.

• Prepares laboratory reagents and chemicals. Maintains instruments and equipment.

• Maintains supplies inventory in accordance with departmental procedures.

• Discusses progress of work regularly with supervisor.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

All McLean team members are expected to consistently demonstrate our values of integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, teamwork, excellence and innovation in their work activities and interactions.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Good organizational skills, detail oriented.

• Ability to methodically record data and to analyze data using basic statistics.

• Ability to perform a variety of routine tests and prioritize work.

• Knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc.

• Ability to demonstrate professionalism.

• Some mammalian tissue culture experience preferred

QUALIFICATIONS: BS or BA in a biological/physical science with relevant course or project work required

All employees must possess basic computer skills to use a variety of electronic or online systems for communication, clinical and administrative purposes.