Research Associate

Overview

CHEManager International is hiring a Laboratory Research Associate to join the VanderHorst Lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. This role sits within a collaborative team of research assistants, associates, postdoctoral fellows, and senior staff working on brainstem circuits that regulate walking, breathing, muscle tone, and arousal, as well as the effects of neurodegenerative disease on these systems. The work spans parallel mouse studies and postmortem human research.

Research Focus and Methods

The lab uses advanced approaches in both animal and human research. Mouse-based work includes opto- and chemogenetic methods, fiber photometry, conditional circuit mapping, EEG, EMG, and plethysmography/gait assays to gather physiological readouts. Human studies involve standard and advanced staining techniques, quantitative image analysis, and integration of data with antemortem physiological information collected through wearable devices.

Key Responsibilities

The role functions as a primary technical resource for the lab and may also support other internal or external research groups. The associate will carry out specialized experiments, help troubleshoot technical issues, contribute to experimental planning, and work on advanced data analysis and interpretation. The position may also involve mentoring junior staff, supporting manuscript and abstract preparation, contributing to grant writing, and representing the research through presentations and professional engagement.

Required Background

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related area, with a master’s degree preferred. The position typically calls for 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years of bench research experience in a related field. Candidates are expected to bring strong experience in immunostaining and in situ hybridization, quantitative image analysis, and confocal imaging, along with the ability to independently plan and complete studies involving many samples.

Additional Qualifications

Successful candidates should be able to work independently, troubleshoot effectively, generate primary data, and communicate clearly. Strong Microsoft Office and web-based application skills are also expected. Helpful but not mandatory strengths include neuroscience knowledge, data science or statistical experience, and exposure to high-throughput assays.

Application Note

Applicants should include a letter of interest explaining their motivation for applying and how their background fits this role.

Compensation and Physical Demands

The role offers an hourly pay range of $27.00 to $38.46. The job is physically active and requires medium exertion, including occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and frequent lifting of up to 20 pounds. The employee should expect to spend most of the shift standing or moving around.

Employment Conditions

This is a full-time, onsite position. Influenza vaccination is required as a condition of employment. The employer is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes veterans and individuals with disabilities.