Research Technician -Department of Comparative Pathobiology

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy; Grafton (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Massachusetts is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for Dr. Fair Vassoler's neuroscience laboratory, starting in September 2026.

The NIH-funded project focuses on neurobiological mechanisms of opioid use, with emphasis on behavior, epigenetics, and transgenerational effects. You will assist with data collection, behavioral testing, and tissue handling; experience with lab animals is preferred but training will be provided.

Qualifications

• BA/BS with specialization in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, and/or psychology.
• Experience in behavioral testing and molecular biology is preferred.
• Strong data organization and writing skills are desired.

Responsibilities

• Data collection and management for behavioral and molecular endpoints.
• Behavioral testing and animal procedures when needed.
• Laboratory organization, inventory management and animal husbandry.

Skills

Behavioral testing

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Education

BA/BS in neuroscience/biology/chemistry/psychology

Job description

Overview

The Department of Comparative Pathobiology provides foundational veterinary medical education, supports a diverse portfolio of research programs, and provides expertise in laboratory animal medicine and diagnostic pathology. Our teaching includes pre-clinical veterinary courses (e.g., Clinical Skills, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Organ Systems and Pathophysiology, General Pathology, Pharmacology, Clinical Pathology, Urinary Diseases, Endocrine Diseases, Gastrointestinal Diseases) and a clinical rotation (Pathology), as well as specialized graduate courses. Our research is often cross-disciplinary in the biomedical sciences, in areas including neuroscience, animal models of disease, infectious disease, ocular oncology, autoimmune disease, and reproductive biology, as well as veterinary education and pedagogy. Faculty who support the Cummings Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory provide diagnostic anatomic and clinical pathology services to the small and animal hospitals at Cummings School as well as outside organizations.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and collaborative individual for a full-time Research Assistant position in Dr. Fair Vassoler's laboratory, beginning in September 2026.

The position will support NIH-funded research investigating the neurobiological and molecular mechanisms underlying opioid use and addiction, with a particular focus on behavioral neuroscience, epigenetic mechanisms, and transgenerational effects of drug exposure.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for data collection and management for studies involving behavioral and molecular neuroscience endpoints. Responsibilities may include behavioral testing, animal procedures and tissue collection, molecular biology techniques, laboratory organization and maintenance, inventory management, and animal husbandry. Prior experience working with laboratory animals is preferred, but training will be provided. This position provides an opportunity to gain broad research experience in a neuroscience laboratory, including hands-on training in behavioral and molecular techniques, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation of research findings. Opportunities may also be available to contribute to manuscripts and other scientific publications.

The position would be particularly well suited for an individual interested in pursuing graduate or professional training in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field. Occasional weekend work will be required for animal-related duties.

Essential functions in this role will be:

• Molecular neuroscience data collection and analysis (qPCR, westerns, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs)
• Behavioral neuroscience data collection and analysis (stereotaxic surgery, operant conditioning, tissue harvesting)
• General laboratory and animal colony management

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements

• Applicant should have a BA or BS with specialization in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, and/or psychology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral testing and molecular biology is preferred.

Pay Range

Minimum $20.90, Midpoint $24.90, Maximum $28.90
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.