Senior Research Assistant - Biology

Tufts University•Medford, MA

About The Position

The Senior Research Assistant (SRA) will advance research initiatives within the Levin Lab at the Allen Discovery Center. The role supports an exploratory project at the intersection of academia and industry, developing Xenobots and related synthetic living systems as biosensors for environmental sensing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine. The SRA will work with senior staff scientists to develop and test fabrication and behavior-tracking protocols, analyze physiological and behavioral data, and support machine learning pipelines for pattern recognition and predictive modeling. The SRA will work across model systems including cell culture, amphibian-derived synthetic constructs, plants, and algae. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the role contributes to experimental design and the development and refinement of research techniques and protocols, and independently performs specialized and unconventional research procedures. The SRA also analyzes and interprets data, assists with publication and presentation materials, mentors and provides work direction to junior laboratory staff, and supports day-to-day laboratory activities. This is a grant-funded, limited-term position through January 31, 2028, with possible renewal based on performance and continued funding.

Requirements

Master's degree in science.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related research field.
Experience with cell culture and sterile technique.
Demonstrated experience managing and directing basic science research studies and laboratory operations.
Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills.

Nice To Haves

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.
Significant experience with cell culture and sterile techniques is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct exploratory, unconventional, specialized laboratory experiments.
Mentor junior staff and provide work direction to them.
Develop research study designs, techniques, and protocols in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
Develop and test protocols for Xenobot fabrication and behavior tracking.
Review results and suggest modifications to experiments and protocols where necessary.
Oversee the collection and data entry of results.
Analyze and interpret physiological, behavioral, and experimental data, and draft experiment results.
Support machine learning pipelines for pattern recognition and predictive modeling.
Assist in preparing summaries and materials for presentation and publication.
Support day-to-day laboratory activities and help ensure successful execution of project activities.