Research Assistant - Clinical Sciences - Tufts University

The Clinical Sciences faculty (~60) has teaching and clinical responsibilities to the veterinary students and hospital respectively, as well as individual research pursuits and administrative obligations.  Approximately 60 residents and interns, matched through the national VIRMP program rotate through the department/hospital on three and one-year cycles, respectively.  The administrative staff supports the faculty, residents and interns, the Chair and Department Manager.  The department has a large budget and many discretionary and research accounts. 

 This position is partially grant funded and is not eligible for severance pay. This is a limited term position with an end date of 1 year from start date and has possibility for extension contingent on additional funding

This position will be in the comparative cancer genomics laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Heather Gardner at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The primary focus of this position will be to help optimize and complete research tasks in the laboratory focused on a variety of molecular techniques and NGS library preparation. Some mammalian cell culture work may also be performed in this position. The individual will work independently under the supervision of Dr. Gardner to analyze and interpret datasets, and assist in preparation of materials for presentation/publication. Additional tasks include assisting lab members with general lab maintenance, record keeping and ordering supplies. The position will require substantial data recording and maintenance of lab records.  The individual will be expected to take on new and/or additional duties as skills improve as lab needs change. Strong applicants will have familiarity with basic statistics and computer-based data visualization (Microsoft office, Prism and R). Department Summary This job is a one-year position funded by a grant and the Department of Clinical Sciences. Continuation of this position beyond one-year is dependent on the availability of funding in the lab.

Essential Functions as a Research Assistant in the Department of Clinical Sciences will be:

• Perform benchtop experiments under direction of the principle investigator, involving molecular techniques, cell culture, library preparation and sequencing
• Laboratory maintenance; including ordering supplies and stocking the laboratory, maintenance of laboratory equipment (refilling liquid nitrogen dewars, etc), maintain laboratory records.
• Data interpretation and assistance generating materials for presentation and publication
  
  

Basic Requirements:

• Years of related experience required: 3-5 years of laboratory experience performing molecular techniques is required.
• Required education: Bachelor’s or Masters Degree, preferably in biological sciences
• Required computer/technical skills: Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

• This applicant should exhibit the following characteristics: be highly motivated to learn new methods, well-organized, very careful and willing to accurately follow detailed instructions. No previous NGS library preparation experience is required, however the successful candidate will have previous experience in molecular laboratory techniques (e.g. PCR, etc).