Research Technician, Metabolism and Basic Biology of Aging

Tufts University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University, at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, is seeking a Research Technician to maintain fly stocks and carry out behavioral and demographic assays in flies. The role includes establishing robust workflows for DNA and metabolite sample processing, recording results, and performing DNA extraction, PCR, and spectrophotometry.

This grant-funded position requires the ability to interpret basic statistics and contribute to project discussions while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline with at least one year research experience.
• Up to 1 year of related laboratory experience.
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and spectrophotometry.

Responsibilities

• Maintains fly stocks and manages undergraduate lab workers.
• Carries out behavioral and demographic assays in flies.
• Performs DNA extraction, PCR, and metabolite sample processing.
• Records results and maintains accurate records of experiments; assists with basic statistics.
• Keeps laboratory equipment and supplies organized; participates in project meetings and data interpretation.

Skills

Statistical coding with R

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline

Tools

DNA extraction

PCR

Spectrophotometry

Job description

Overview

The mission of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators conduct the world's most advanced studies on nutrition and aging. The research focuses on determining the nutrient and physical activity requirements necessary to promote well-being for older adults. HNRCA scientists examine how nutrition and physical activity play a major role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging.

What You'll Do

This position is grant funded and is not eligible for severance pay.

The Research Technician will be responsible for maintaining fly stocks, carrying out behavioral and demographic assays in flies, and isolating DNA and metabolite samples from flies. Establish a robust and standardized pipeline for these activities, including an efficient and well-organized workflow, which may require adapting new assays and reading and interpreting scientific literature. Record test results, analyze data using basic statistics, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies. Contribute to regular meetings and one-on-one discussions about project design and progress.

• Maintains laboratory equipment and orders/keeps inventory of supplies
• Prepares stock solutions, reagents and other media
• Manages fly stocks
• Manages undergraduate lab workers
• Conducts routine experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results
• Records results and maintains accurate records of experiments
• Performs sample extraction, DNA extraction, PCR, spectrophotometry
• Performs limited data interpretation and assists with basic statistics and analysis

What We’re Looking For

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline with at least one year research experience
• Up to 1 year of related laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Statistical coding experience with R
• Basic understanding of the biology of aging
• Willingness and ability to work independently, and also collaboratively as part of a team
• Very strong organizational skills

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.