Senior Research Technician, Metabolism and Basic Biology of Aging

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University’s Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging invites applications for a grant-funded laboratory position. The role involves developing and performing techniques for Drosophila work and lab operations under the PI's guidance.

You'll conduct assays, record data, assist with statistics, and help prepare materials for publication, while maintaining lab supplies and databases, with a focus on rigorous data quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science (biology, biochemistry, nutrition, etc.)
• 1 year of related laboratory experience
• Advanced lab techniques with Drosophila culture experience
• Familiarity with statistics and coding in R/Python

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments following protocols to achieve results.
• Perform assays and genetic crosses with Drosophila using techniques such as microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, PCR and electrophoresis.
• Record results and maintain accurate datasets and databases.
• Analyze results and assist with data interpretation and publication materials.
• Maintain lab equipment and manage inventory of supplies.

Skills

Lab techniques

Drosophila handling

Statistics

R/Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Tools

PCR

Fluorescence microscopy

Electrophoresis

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 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

• 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.