Research Assistant I

Job Summary:

The Balskus lab is searching for a technician to provide experimental support for an on-going project aimed at understanding bacterial metabolism in the vaginal microbiome. Working closely with senior lab members, the technician will primarily be responsible for assisting in the design, execution and analysis of assays that assess microbial growth, metabolism, and enzymatic activity. Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the overall lab, as described in more detail below. The research assistant may work on an independent project, but within specific guidelines. Strong organizational and communication skills are critical.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Under supervision of a senior lab member, assist in the design and execution of assays to assess anaerobic bacterial growth or enzymatic activity. This includes aliquoting clinical samples and testing these samples for enzymatic activity. This will also include the preparation of bacterial cultures for testing in various enzymatic assays.
• Inoculation and maintenance of anaerobic microbial cultures from freezer stocks in preparation for assays.
• Preparation and sterilization of growth media.
• Expression and purification of enzymes.
• Preparation and analysis of samples using various analytical methods, in particular small molecule liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), RNA-Seq, and biochemical assays on clinical samples and cultures.
• Report assay results using a variety of scientific, word processing, and presentation platforms.
• Maintenance and cleaning of additional laboratory equipment and glassware.
• May instruct other lab members in certain techniques or procedures.
• Ordering lab supplies and processing invoices, and other administrative duties as needed.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of shipping or transfer of samples between collaborators’ labs.
• Thorough documentation of all research activities in electronic lab notebook and management of research data.
• The successful candidate may be invited to attend lab group meetings as appropriate.
• The candidate will also have the opportunity to attend external research consortium meetings, assist with writing of progress reports, other administrative tasks, and interacting with the funders of this project when necessary.

Working Conditions:

Monday-Friday on campus.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

A minimum 1-year of full time research experience working in a biological or chemistry laboratory setting. College level course work required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The successful candidate will have experience performing biochemical assays and evaluating bacterial growth. Degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology or a related discipline strongly preferred. Experience in glycobiology is desirable but not required. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, a desire to learn new techniques and instruments, good organizational skills, and the ability to work with a diverse team of scientists. Applicants with prior experience in anaerobic microbial culture, enzyme assay, and assay development are highly encouraged to apply.