Research Associate - Tufts University

Department Summary (Briefly describe the purpose and activities of the department): 
The faculty in MBM are united by a common interest in the biology of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and the effects of microbes on human and animal hosts. The microbial pathogens program studies microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, with emphasis on rigorous analysis of these pathogens and the immune responses that restrict them. Program investigators direct detailed studies of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and eukaryotic parasites. Research topics include structural analysis of virus entry, viral evolution, viral oncogenes, intracellular bacterial pathogens, microorganisms that cause diarrhea and pneumonia, intracellular signaling, pathogen adhesion, genetic determinants involved in susceptibility to infection, vaccine development, and identification of novel antimicrobial agents.

Under the supervision of the principal investigator and in cooperation with other lab members and senior scientists in neighboring labs, the Research Associate will design and conduct experiments using a variety of skills, which may include but are not limited to: microscopy, live cell imaging, quantitative cell biology, molecular biology, computational analysis, and the production and use of microfluidic devices. Our data-driven modeling requires the development and use of custom code. The Research Associate will work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members on the synthesis and generation of scientific writing based on the work of the lab. The Research Associate will also have experience with biosafety level 3 procedures.

Conduct and design experiments: 

• Follow and design appropriate protocols/procedures to achieve results and test specific hypotheses.
• Perform techniques such as cell culturing, preparing samples for live-cell microscopy, mesoscale analysis, flow cytometry, molecular biology procedures, and testing drug regimens.

Record, interpret, and present results and assist with data analysis: 

• Keep accurate records of experiments and results
• Perform data interpretation/summarization including writing custom code and models
• Communicate findings to PI
• Interact scientifically with labmates
• Create publication-quality scientific writing based on the work of the lab
• Help manage the laboratory (as all lab members do), including (but not limited to) assisting and training other lab members, ordering supplies and noting inventory, lab organization, and coordinate equipment repair

Basic Requirements:

• PhD in science or engineering with 5 years of post-doctorate experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Consistent attention to detail and excellent organizational and communication skills are critical as are excellent skills in the manipulation and use of laboratory equipment. Knowledge of MS Office products, statistical/quantitative analysis, and computation is necessary. 

Special Considerations:

• Part of the work involves experiments with the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and must be carried out in a Biosafety level 3 lab.
• Occasional need to work beyond regular work hours, holidays, or weekends as experiments demand.