New

Research Assistant II - Farzan Lab

Boston Children's Hospital
$44657.60-$69773.60 Annual
dental insurance, 403(b)
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
Feb 14, 2026
Lab Summary: Michael Farzan's laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School engineers lymphocytes - B cells and T cells - for a range of scientific and translational goals. For example, this technology allows us to use murine germinal centers to select potent and highly bioavailable human antibodies. It also provides us useful animal models to evaluate and improve vaccines, as well as a new way to address unanswered questions in lymphocyte-cell biology and adaptive immunity. The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) B cells and CD4-positive CAR T cells so generated can themselves be conceived of as a therapy for many disease states including HIV infection. Because our engineered B cells affinity mature, we apply them to our efforts to predict uniquely human responses to candidate vaccines in mice and non-human primates. This tool is critical for our parallel efforts to develop novel antigens that elicit antibodies in humans that protect from HIV-1 infection. Finally, we seek to develop better genome editing and gene delivery tools that will improve the quality and safety of our engineered lymphocytes. Key Responsibilities: According to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules, performs a variety of routine laboratory experiments and procedures, utilizing standard laboratory equipment, recording and checking results for completeness and accuracy. Assists in troubleshooting procedures if experimental results are unexpected or quality of specimens is poor. Performs the following techniques typically required for the laboratory/study: Maintains records of results and methodologies in a log of work performed. Maintains equipment, lab area, and supplies in a neat professional manner. Sterilize and clean glassware, and prepare media and other materials using appropriate procedures. Inventories supplies, alerts supervisor to needed supplies, or mixes standard reagents. Processes order for supplies and/or animals. Attends courses in safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials. Carries out all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable regulations and protocols. May conduct literature searches and reviews, compiling information for journals and suggesting uses for new techniques to the P.I. May attend courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques. Minimum Qualifications Education: A Bachelor's Degree is required. Experience: Bachelor's Degree and one year of relevant work experience is required. Flow cytometry and cell culture experience is strongly preferred. Background in immunology preferred. The posted pay range is Boston Children's reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting. Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes 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. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.