Research Asst Biology Levin Lab

Tufts University • Medford, MA

1d

About The Position

The Research Assistant will support research initiatives within the Levin Lab, working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and Senior Research Assistant. The role contributes to an exploratory project at the intersection of academia and industry focused on developing Xenobots and related synthetic living systems for environmental sensing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine. The Research Assistant will assist with Xenobot fabrication, behavior tracking, experimental testing, and the collection, organization, and analysis of physiological and behavioral data. The position also offers experience with machine learning approaches for pattern recognition and predictive modeling.

The successful candidate will conduct unconventional experiments using a variety of model systems, including cell culture, amphibian-derived synthetic constructs, plants, and algae. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, Senior Research Assistant, and other laboratory members, the Research Assistant will perform specialized laboratory techniques and experiments, maintain accurate records, analyze and summarize data, and help prepare materials for presentations and publications. The role contributes to day-to-day research activities and laboratory operations in a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in science and 3–5 years of related laboratory experience, or a master's degree and up to one year of laboratory experience.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and an open-minded approach to unconventional experiments across multiple model systems.
• Ability to perform specialized laboratory techniques and experiments, maintain accurate records, and analyze and summarize data.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in science.
• 1–3 years of demonstrated experience managing and directing basic science research studies and laboratory operations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures, data interpretation, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, microscopy, and bioassay design.
• Familiarity with calcium imaging, synthetic biology, and gene expression systems such as mRNA microinjection.

Responsibilities

• Conduct exploratory and unconventional specialized laboratory experiments.
• Assist the Senior Research Assistant and Principal Investigator with developing research study designs, techniques, and protocols.
• Review results and suggest modifications to experiments and protocols when necessary.
• Collect and enter data.
• Analyze and interpret data and draft experimental results.
• Write summaries and prepare materials for presentations and publications.
• Assist with Xenobot fabrication, behavior tracking, experimental testing, and collection, organization, and analysis of physiological and behavioral data.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to day-to-day research activities and laboratory operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level