Research Associate I (Lab)

Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on performing work related to research and development of new products, innovation, and improvement of products and processes.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Research Programs and Projects duties: Supports the development of new products and innovation.  Includes Clinical roles focused on research projects.  Positions in this family perform basic, translational, and/or clinical research towards solving a specific problem for an entity or community. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.   An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.  Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practices. 

Job Overview 

This position reports to the Principal Investigator and is responsible for independently developing protocols and establishing new methodologies in the laboratory. Role will investigate the proteomic and molecular mechanisms underlying AL amyloidosis using xenograft mouse models. The role involves working with NSG mice engrafted with Ig light‑chain–producing cell lines to study organ‑specific amyloid deposition in the heart, kidneys, liver, and spleen.

The desirable candidate possess:

1. Strong knowledge of molecular or cellular biology techniques, biochemistry
2. Highly self-motivated candidate, with the ability to function independently
3. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential.

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree. 

2. One (1) year of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Masters in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, or bioscience degree program strongly preferred

2. Two or more years research experience acquired through a postdoctoral fellowship or technical position in an academic or biomedical industry setting

3. Experience working with data and analyses in SAS, SPSS, or S-Plus.   

4. Experience teaching statistics and statistical programming. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1.  Participates in defining the scope and intent of the research project and assists in the experimental design of the studies. 

2. Implements laboratory experiments and records data. 

3. Participates in the analysis of data and assists in writing research papers describing the studies and results. 

4. Performs molecular biology techniques and trains others in the laboratory as necessary. 

5. Oversees the maintenance of equipment and ordering/stocking of consumable supplies. 

6. Performs literature searches in pursuit of new techniques to expand relevant basic knowledge. 

7. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment. 

Work Location: Tufts Medical Center - 100% Onsite

Lab Setting:

1. Normal laboratory environment. May be exposed to radioactivity, chemicals used in DNA, PCR technology and protein electrophoresis, biohazardous material, and replication deficient adenoviruses, under controlled conditions in accordance with institutional safety standard requirements.
2. May access PHI/HIPAA identifiers as part of daily tasks

Skills & Abilities: 

1. In-depth knowledge of computer programming, managing statistical databases and analyzing biomedical data. 

2. Ability to communicate highly technical ideas to non-statisticians on a one-to-one basis, as well as in a classroom or meeting setting.   

3. Excellent writing ability and presentation skills. 

4. Ability to meet with researchers and develop a plan with them to meet their needs within their time and budget constraints.   

5. Ability to clearly explain and present statistical results to hospital researchers and investigators. 

6. Ability to work independently.