The Amyloidosis Center at Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is an internationally recognized leader in the study of amyloidosis and unique in its approach of combining laboratory and clinical research to support exceptional care for patients with all forms of systemic amyloidosis. It has an integrated team of multidisciplinary researchers and clinician scientists whose mission is to understand, treat and ultimately cure amyloid diseases.

The Amyloidosis Center Gerry Laboratory at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is looking for a full-time Research Associate with previous research experience in studying amyloidosis . The position will be responsible for (i) helping to ensure smooth uninterrupted workflows for diagnostic testing, samples collection, processing and storage, while maintaining compliance with CLIA/CAP regulations and SOPs in the Amyloid Laboratory; (ii) helping with collection, processing, record keeping and storage of clinical samples for the Amyloid biorepository with the focus on bone marrow and peripheral mononuclear cell samples processing and cryopreservation; (iii) managing semi-independent projects where directed; (iv) participating in the ongoing projects with the Amyloid research and clinical team members, external academia and industry collaborators; (v) performing data entries in the clinical database.

Amyloidosis Center Gerry Laboratory activities include:

• The genetic and biochemical diagnostic testing in the Amyloid Pathology Molecular Diagnostic Testing Laboratory.

• The Amyloid Laboratory has maintained an uninterrupted record of accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and certification through Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) since 2009, ensuring the highest standard in testing for the diagnosis and typing of amyloid disease. As a part of CLIA-certified diagnostic molecular testing, the amyloid laboratory performs: a). the PCR amplification, sequencing, and results interpretation for the TTR gene and isoelectric focusing (IEF) testing for detection and identification of TTR variant proteins associated with familial ATTR amyloidosis; b). testing for a panel of other genes (APOA1, APOA2, FIB, GSN, LYZ) that are associated with inherited forms of amyloidosis, when needed;

• IRB-approved collection and storage of patient samples (plasma, serum, white blood cells, cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone marrow cells, urine, fat tissue, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks, and autopsied tissues) for Amyloid Laboratory clinical specimen repository;

• Research projects aiming to elucidate mechanisms and potential new routes for effective interventions in various types of amyloidosis;

• Collaborative projects with the research and clinical team members of the Amyloidosis Center, external academic researchers and industry collaborators.

• IRB-approved collection of demographics, clinical, histological, laboratory, and treatment data for Amyloid Clinical Database.

The new position will require an involvement with all the activities outlined above. The candidate will serve as a Research Associate and backup for the Amyloid Laboratory Associate Manager helping to ensure smooth uninterrupted workflows for diagnostic testing, various samples collection, processing and storage, while maintaining compliance with CLIA/CAP regulations and Amyloid laboratory SOP procedures; will be responsible for managing semi-independent research projects where directed; participate in the collaborative projects with the Amyloid research and clinical team members, and external academic and industry researchers; will provide help with data entries and clinical database maintenance.

Required Skills

The candidate will ideally hold an MD degree with a minimum of 2 years of research training at academic research institution. Must have an expertise in basic science research in the field of amyloidosis.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement (https://www.bu.edu/hr/hr-covid-19-resources/vaccine-required-for-faculty-and-staff/) within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption ( instructions (https://www.bu.edu/hr/hr-covid-19-resources/upload-your-covid-vaccination-documentation/) ). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources (https://www.bu.edu/buohc/covid-19/) site.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor .

Required Experience