Senior Research Technician, Metabolism and Basic Biology of Aging

Tufts University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University seeks a grant-funded lab professional to support the HNRCA aging nutrition research. You will perform diverse techniques, analyze data, and assist in publication and presentation materials, while maintaining lab operations.

The role involves collaboration with the PI and team, managing Drosophila work, and applying statistical and computational skills to biological datasets. Salary reflects experience and internal equity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science (biology, cellular and molecular biology, animal science, nutrition, biochemistry, etc.)
• 1 year of related laboratory experience
• Advanced knowledge and experience with laboratory techniques and procedures
• Familiarity with Drosophila culture, media quality, and fly handling techniques
• Knowledge of statistics
• Command line coding (R, Python, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Principal Investigator and other lab members to develop and modify techniques and protocols, and contribute to research design.
• Performs a wide range of specialized techniques and experiments.
• Analyzes data, interprets results, and assists in design modification and writing materials for publication and presentation; maintains laboratory equipment and supplies and helps manage laboratory operations.
• Conducts experiments following protocols to achieve results, including assays and genetic crosses with Drosophila and techniques such as microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, PCR, electrophoresis, and others.
• Records results and maintains accurate records of experiments, updates databases, and performs data interpretation as needed.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and orders/inventories supplies; assists with management of the laboratory.
• Manages Drosophila media and diet preparation and biological sample collection.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Laboratory techniques

Data interpretation

Command line coding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science (biology, cellular & molecular biology, animal science, nutrition, biochemistry, etc.)

Tools

PCR

Electrophoresis

Fluorescence microscopy

Microdissection

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.

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

In collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other members of the laboratory, develops and modifies techniques and protocols and provides input into research design. Perform a wide range of specialized techniques and experiments. Analyzes data, interprets results and assists in design modification and writing materials for publication and presentation, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies and helps manage laboratory operations.

• Conducts experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results. Performs assays and genetic crosses with Drosophila, and techniques such as, microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, PCR, electrophoresis, and others.
• Records results and maintains accurate records of experiments and updates and maintains databases.
• Analyzes results and determines whether modification or repeat of procedures is necessary.
• Manages Drosophila media and diet preparation and biological sample collection.
• Performs some data interpretation and assists with statistical analysis, and summaries, for presentation of results.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and orders/keeps inventory of supplies and helps with management of the laboratory.

What We’re Looking For

Basic Requirements

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor’s degree in science (general biology, cellular and molecular biology, animal science, nutrition, biochemistry etc. are all qualified)
• 1 year of related laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge and experience with laboratory techniques and procedures
• Familiarity with Drosophila culture, media quality, and fly handling techniques
• Knowledge of statistics
• Command line coding (R, Python, etc.)

Pay Range

Minimum $25.20, Midpoint $30.10, Maximum $34.90
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.