Research Assistant 1

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

A Research Assistant 1 position is available in the Toker laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School (see our web page at http://www.tokerlab.com). The lab’s focus is on the understanding of the cell and molecular biology of cancer progression, with special emphasis on the signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, survival and invasion of breast cancer. The lab uses multidisciplinary approaches including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and genetic analysis. Therefore, knowledge and preferably prior experience with gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, cloning, PCR, tissue culture of mammalian and bacterial cells, and routine biochemistry approaches are desirable.
Qualifications, skills and knowledge requirements:
Dr. Toker is looking for self-motivated individuals to become involved in the exciting and challenging environment of the laboratory. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a major role in the organization and expansion of the laboratory, and will be exposed to many cutting-edge technologies in the cell and molecular biology of cancer, including gene expression analysis, protein purification, proteomics, bioinformatics and biochemistry. This will be a great opportunity for recent and upcoming graduates who are trying to gain research experience in biomedical research area, and wish to go to top graduate and medical programs at a later stage. It is also an ideal position for those interested in a career in pharmaceutical companies or biotechnologies. The successful applicant must be able to work individually as well as within a group. The duties of the successful candidate will be two-fold: 1) the research assistant will be expected to function as a lab manager and order and organize supplies, prepare and test commonly-used reagents, maintain and train others in the operation of commonly-used equipment, and ensure the smooth day to day functioning of the laboratory; 2) the candidate will also be expected to become involved in research projects in the laboratory, and ultimately conduct his or her own research project in one or more areas of cancer cell signaling and biology. The environment of the lab allows for a great deal of interaction with the principal investigator, other members of the lab and other researchers within the Harvard Medical School campus.
A Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in Molecular biology/Biochemistry or related field is preferred. Previous lab experience in cell and molecular biology would also be helpful.
Please send your CV/resume and a brief letter of interest to [email protected]. Qualified applicants will be contacted soon after receiving their information.

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Performs routine and non-routine laboratory tests which may include DNA sequencing, gene cloning, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, northern blotting; synthesizes and interprets results.
2. May operate and maintain moderate to complex lab equipment such as spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, etc.
3. Using analytical abilities and sound judgment, makes decisions regarding the reliability and accuracy of results, repeating procedures when necessary.
4. May assist with planning specific research procedures and coordinating schedules of tests and procedures
5. May prepare written and/or verbal reports on status of research and the technical procedures used, including statistical and graphic summaries of findings and possible conclusions.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related scientific field required.
2. 0-1 years related work experience required.
3. Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Competencies:

1. Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.
2. Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
3. Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
4. Written Communications: Ability to read, and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.
5. Oral Communications: Ability to understand spoken English in order to follow basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively in basic English with patients, families and medical center staff in response to routine questions.
6. Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to use them in routine situations. Specialized knowledge not required.
7. Team Work: Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information or deliver services.
8. Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Physical Nature of the Job:
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Some elements of the job are sedentary, but the employee will be required to stand for periods of time or move through out the hospital campus

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Learn more about this requirement.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled