Research Asst Biology Levin Lab

Tufts University; Medford Hillside (MA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Assistant at Tufts University's Allen Discovery Center in Medford, MA will join the Levin Lab to advance Xenobot and synthetic living systems research, working with teams spanning biology, engineering, and computation.

You will perform Xenobot fabrication, behavior tracking, data collection and analysis, and assist in preparing materials for presentations and publications, contributing to exploratory experiments and protocol development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science with 3–5 years of lab experience or
• Master's degree with up to one year of lab experience
• Experience in basic science research management is a plus

Responsibilities

• Conduct exploratory unconventional laboratory experiments
• Assist in study design, techniques, and protocols
• Review results and suggest modifications
• Collect and enter data
• Analyze data and draft results
• Prepare summaries for presentations and publications

Skills

Data management

Communication skills

Laboratory techniques

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Master's degree

Tools

Calcium imaging

Microscopy

Bioassay design

mRNA microinjection

Job description

Overview

The Allen Discovery Center (see http://allencenter.tufts.edu/) is dedicated to the advancement of basic biology and biomedicine, and to using an integrated approach to control biological structure and function. Through a combination of molecular genetics, biophysics, and computational approaches, researchers at the Center work toward multi-level control of patterning. Novel technology is being developed to modulate the bioelectric communication that enables cells to coordinate their activities toward specific anatomical and functional outcomes. Applications in progress include the repair of birth defects, regenerative medicine, cancer reprogramming, and synthetic biology.

What You'll Do

The Research Assistant will play an important role in advancing research initiatives within the Levin Lab. Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and Senior Research Assistant, the Research Assistant will contribute to a highly exploratory project at the intersection of academia and industry focused on the development of Xenobots and related synthetic living systems for applications in environmental sensing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine. The individual will assist with Xenobot fabrication, behavior tracking, and experimental testing, as well as support the collection, organization, and analysis of physiological and behavioral data. The position offers the opportunity to gain experience working with machine learning-based approaches for pattern recognition and predictive modeling. We seek a curious, adaptable, and open-minded individual who is enthusiastic about conducting 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 assist in the preparation of materials for presentations and publications. The successful candidate will actively contribute to day-to-day research activities and laboratory operations while developing technical and scientific expertise in a collaborative research environment.

• Conducts exploratory unconventional specialized laboratory experiments
• Assists Senior Research Assistant and Principal Investigator to develop research study design, techniques, and protocols
• Reviews results and suggests modifications to experiments and protocols where necessary
• Collection and data entry of results
• Analyzes and interprets data and drafts results of experiments
• Writes summaries and material for presentation and publication

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements: Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's Degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience or
• Master's Degree and up to one year laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in science
• 1-3 years Demonstrated experience in managing and directing basic science research studies and lab 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 imaginglsynthetic biology, and gene expression systems (e.g. mRNA micorinjection).MA degree in science and relevant area.Knowledge of and experience with advanced laborary techniques and procedures, data interpretation and statistical analysis.

Pay Range

Minimum $50,500.00, Midpoint $63,200.00, Maximum $75,800.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.