Senior Research Assistant Levin Lab Molecular Biology

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.

The Senior Research Assistant supports research activities within the Levin Lab by independently conducting specialized laboratory experiments and procedures in support of funded research projects. Working under the general direction of the Principal Investigator and senior scientific staff, this position performs advanced molecular biology and cell culture techniques, including preparation of molarity-based solutions, tissue and cell culture, western blotting, plasmid preparation, restriction enzyme digests, RNA and protein preparation, flow cytometry, staining procedures, and microscopy-based imaging. The role requires a high degree of technical expertise and independent judgment in planning and executing experiments. The Senior Research Assistant contributes to the development and optimization of research techniques and protocols, analyzes and interprets experimental data, maintains accurate laboratory records, and assists in the preparation of publications, presentations, and research reports. The position may provide training and guidance to junior laboratory personnel and students and supports day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and compliance with laboratory safety requirements. This role operates with limited supervision and contributes significantly to the efficiency, productivity, and scientific success of the laboratory's research programs.

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Master's Degree
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field of research
• Experience managing and directing basic sciences research studies and laboratory operations
• Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills
• Ability to make molarity solutions
• Cell culture experience
• Western blot experience
• Comfortable with microscopy and imaging
• Plasmid prep, restriction digests, vector design, RNA and protein preparation
• Tissue culture and staining
• Flow cytometry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3D cell culture experience
• Imaris or CellProfiler proficiency
• R or Python experience
• GraphPad Prism
• Electrophysiology knowledge / patch clamp experience (highly desirable)
• Mouse colony experience