Research Assistant I- Koehler Lab Organoid-Based Disease Modeling

*** A cover letter is required at the point of application***
The Koehler Lab at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School is at the forefront of studying sensory organ development using human pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models. Our lab pioneered the first inner ear and hair-producing skin organoids, paving the way for regenerative treatments for hearing, balance, and vision disorders.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to contribute to a newly funded initiative: the Pipeline for Usher Syndrome Research (PUSH). This project brings together leading scientists to develop patient-derived retinal and inner ear organoid models for testing novel gene and cell therapies targeting Usher Syndrome (USH)-a leading cause of inherited deafblindness. The RA will work within an interdisciplinary team using cutting-edge organoid and gene therapy technologies to accelerate therapeutic discoveries.

This role prefers a minimum two-year commitment and offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth, particularly for those interested in neuroscience, stem cell biology, disease modeling, and translational medicine.
https://www.koehler-lab.org/
This Research Assistant Will be responsible for:

• Maintain and differentiate human iPSC and ESC lines into inner ear and retinal organoids.
• Assist in gene therapy testing, including viral vector transduction, CRISPR-based genome editing, and small-molecule screening.
• Perform downstream analyses, including immunohistochemistry, whole-mount immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and scRNA-seq sample preparation.
• Conduct functional assays to assess sensory cell survival and synaptic connectivity.
• Support bioinformatics and image analysis for high-content screening of organoids.
• Troubleshoot and optimize protocols for organoid differentiation and therapeutic testing.
• Maintain laboratory organization, including reagent preparation, inventory, and equipment upkeep.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in stem cell research and Usher Syndrome treatments.
• Present findings in lab meetings and journal clubs.

In order to qualify, you must have:

• A Bachelor's Degree in STEM.
• Background in molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering, or related fields.
• Strong preference for candidates with mammalian cell culture experience (iPSCs, ESCs, or other aseptic culture techniques).
• Eagerness to develop expertise in 3D organoid culture, advanced imaging techniques, and gene editing technologies.
• Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including clinicians and geneticists.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and a passion for translational research.

Boston Children's Hospital offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits including flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes.