Senior Research Assistant

Tufts University • Boston, MA

8h

About The Position

The faculty in MBM are united by a common interest in the biology of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and the effects of microbes on human and animal hosts. The microbial pathogens program studies microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, with emphasis on rigorous analysis of these pathogens and the immune responses that restrict them. Program investigators direct detailed studies of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and eukaryotic parasites. Research topics include structural analysis of virus entry, viral evolution, viral oncogenes, intracellular bacterial pathogens, microorganisms that cause diarrhea and pneumonia, intracellular signaling, pathogen adhesion, genetic determinants involved in susceptibility to infection, vaccine development, and identification of novel antimicrobial agents.

What You'll Do

Plans and conducts research independently and is responsible for data collection and analysis methods in accordance with laboratory goals. Collaborates with other research staff members to identify novel research methods. Develops projects and plans for implementation of projects and methods. Contributes original research leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals. Participates in teaching, research, and mentoring including providing guidance to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff. Participates in hiring, trains and supervises laboratory staff.
Research in the lab is highly multidisciplinary and quantitative, requiring development and use of cutting edge computational modeling and statistical analyses (including machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms).
Work in a BSL-3 facility is essential to the work of the lab and includes but is not limited to experimentation with the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BSL-3 work requires close attention to detail, work under pressure, good decision making in the face of dynamic conditions, and laboratory work while wearing BSL-3 specific personal protective equipment.
Plans and conducts research independently and is responsible for data collection and analysis methods in accordance with laboratory goals
Collaborates with other Research staff members to identify novel research methods
Develops projects and plans to implement those projects
Collaborates on current/future project design and lab communications through participation in publications, presentations, and grant preparation
Participates in teaching, research, and mentoring including providing research guidance to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and less experienced scientists

Requirements

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through a PhD is required along with 2 or more years of experience as a Scientist III
• Demonstrated ability to make significant contributions to related scientific research and scholarship
• Strong potential to direct own research, as well as participation in the mentoring and training of graduate students and younger scientists and regular, significant, contributions published in peer-reviewed journals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in coding and advanced computational and statistical modeling and analysis techniques.
• Experience in complex experimental procedures and microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts research independently and is responsible for data collection and analysis methods in accordance with laboratory goals.
• Collaborates with other research staff members to identify novel research methods.
• Develops projects and plans for implementation of projects and methods.
• Contributes original research leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participates in teaching, research, and mentoring including providing guidance to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff.
• Participates in hiring, trains and supervises laboratory staff.
• Collaborates on current/future project design and lab communications through participation in publications, presentations, and grant preparation
• Participates in teaching, research, and mentoring including providing research guidance to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and less experienced scientists

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree