Job Description

The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.

The ADA Forsyth Institute invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant I to join the Van Dyke Laboratory. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support ongoing projects in inflammation biology and translational oral health research. The Thomas Van Dyke Lab focuses on inflammation, host–microbe interactions, and the development of novel therapeutics to promote resolution of inflammation and improve systemic and oral health outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to impactful scientific discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, molecular assays, and data collection
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records in compliance with institute standards
• Assist in analyzing experimental data and preparing figures and reports
• Support day-to-day lab operations, including inventory management and equipment maintenance
• Collaborate with lab members and participate in research discussions and meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
• Prior laboratory experience (coursework or research setting) preferred
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience with techniques such as cell culture, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, or microscopy
• Familiarity with immunology or microbiology research
• Basic data analysis skills (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools)

ADA Forsyth Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.