Research Assistant I

GlycoData; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

GlycoData in Cambridge, MA seeks a laboratory technician to provide experimental support for studying bacterial metabolism in the vaginal microbiome. You will design, execute, and analyze assays for microbial growth, metabolism, and enzymatic activity under supervision, with opportunities to manage independent projects within guidelines.

The candidate should have at least one year of relevant lab experience, strong organization and communication, and the ability to work in a team in a busy

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year full-time lab experience in biological or chemistry settings.
• Bachelor-level coursework in a relevant science is required; degree preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication, teamwork, and organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist design and execution of assays to assess bacterial growth and enzymatic activity.
• Maintain anaerobic cultures, prepare growth media, and inoculate cultures.
• Prepare samples for LC-MS/MS, qPCR, and RNA-Seq analyses and report results.
• Document experiments, manage lab data, and support shipping of samples to collaborators.
• Help with ordering, invoicing, and general lab operations as needed.

Skills

Biology lab experience

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc / BA in a related field

College coursework required

Tools

LC-MS/MS

qPCR

RNA-Seq

Biochemical assays

Job description

Job Summary:

The Balskus lab is searching for a technician to provide experimental support for an on-going project aimed at understanding bacterial metabolism in the vaginal microbiome. Working closely with senior lab members, the technician will primarily be responsible for assisting in the design, execution and analysis of assays that assess microbial growth, metabolism, and enzymatic activity. Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the overall lab, as described in more detail below. The research assistant may work on an independent project, but within specific guidelines. Strong organizational and communication skills are critical.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Under supervision of a senior lab member, assist in the design and execution of assays to assess anaerobic bacterial growth or enzymatic activity. This includes aliquoting clinical samples and testing these samples for enzymatic activity. This will also include the preparation of bacterial cultures for testing in various enzymatic assays.
• Inoculation and maintenance of anaerobic microbial cultures from freezer stocks in preparation for assays.
• Preparation and sterilization of growth media.
• Expression and purification of enzymes.
• Preparation and analysis of samples using various analytical methods, in particular small molecule liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), RNA-Seq, and biochemical assays on clinical samples and cultures.
• Report assay results using a variety of scientific, word processing, and presentation platforms.
• Maintenance and cleaning of additional laboratory equipment and glassware.
• May instruct other lab members in certain techniques or procedures.
• Ordering lab supplies and processing invoices, and other administrative duties as needed.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of shipping or transfer of samples between collaborators’ labs.
• Thorough documentation of all research activities in electronic lab notebook and management of research data.
• The successful candidate may be invited to attend lab group meetings as appropriate.
• The candidate will also have the opportunity to attend external research consortium meetings, assist with writing of progress reports, other administrative tasks, and interacting with the funders of this project when necessary.

Working Conditions:

Monday-Friday on campus.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

A minimum 1-year of full time research experience working in a biological or chemistry laboratory setting. College level course work required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The successful candidate will have experience performing biochemical assays and evaluating bacterial growth. Degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology or a related discipline strongly preferred. Experience in glycobiology is desirable but not required. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, a desire to learn new techniques and instruments, good organizational skills, and the ability to work with a diverse team of scientists. Applicants with prior experience in anaerobic microbial culture, enzyme assay, and assay development are highly encouraged to apply.