Senior Research Assistant (Integrative Physiology & Metabolism/Genetics & Epidemiology)

Joslin Diabetes Center•Boston, MA

10h•$26 - $34

About The Position

The primary responsibility of the Senior Research Assistant will be to assist the Joslin research division with implementation and processing of samples provided by Joslin investigators for transcriptomic, metabolic, and genetic analyses, within the framework of the Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping Core Laboratory. The Senior Research Assistant will also assist with research projects of the Doria Lab Group. As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. We require that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, or related field
Minimum of 2 years’ experience relevant to essential responsibilities of the job.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
Adhere to lab safety protocols when working with biological and other hazardous materials.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are a must

Nice To Haves

Previous practical Molecular Biology experience preferred
familiarity with omics database management preferred

Responsibilities

Assisting with oversight, maintenance, quality control, scheduling, troubleshooting regarding equipment malfunction, and renewing annual service contracts for the Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping Core Laboratory.
Assist with maintaining the core database and analysis software. Perform data transfer, backup, safeguarding operations.
Maintain core supply inventories; order supplies as needed, maintain chargeback account records, assist with monthly iLAB billing reports, prepare buffers and reagents and replenish stocks as necessary.
Enforce adherence to current core policies and procedures among users and core operators. Assist in establishing new procedures and policies and modify existing ones as necessary to maintain up-to-date best practices and optimize core operation.
Oversight and conduct laboratory protocols, including: Provide training and guidance to core users on Seahorse experiments, digital PCR experiments, and use of the Qiacube Connect instrument.
Maintain NanoDrop eight accuracy using yeast tRNA monthly.
DNA extraction and DNA aliquoting.
RNA extraction.
Use of Bioanalyzer or Tape Station or similar instruments for analysis of RNA, DNA, or libraries.
SNP genotyping and other molecular genetic analyses.
Obtain (or develop) a working knowledge of protocols for single cell / single nucleus suspension, GEMS generation, and library preparation in order to assist with experiment design, equipment use, and troubleshooting.
Oversight of PCR equipment (both RT-PCR and digital PCR), single-cell sequencing platform, Seahorse bioanalyzers, Tissue Lyser, microscope, spectrophotometers, ultrasonicator, Bioanalyzer, and Qiacube, including maintenance of equipment and scheduling routine preventive maintenance service, quality control, following SOP, and documentation.
Process human biospecimens and perform ELISAs on specimens collected as part of the Doria Lab’s clinical research studies (20% of effort).
Interacting with investigators and fellows using core resources. Assist with sample preparation and analysis, use of core instruments, and troubleshooting experimental problems related to software and instrumentation (both informal and via email).
Meet with the core director weekly and/or as needed.
Assist core manager with preparation of data for core usage reports.
Assist with writing and preparing applications for core-related grants. Provide information and assistance to core users for the purpose of grant applications and renewals.
Attendance at Doria and Patti lab meetings encouraged.
Attend Joslin Tuesday internal research seminars to keep abreast of current research.
Work extended hours, weekends and holidays on an exceptional basis, as agreed upon with the Core Director.
Interact with equipment vendors as needed, arrange training sessions for Joslin staff.
Other duties as assigned.