Research Technician - Biomedical Engineering - Tufts University

Research in the Iyer Stem Cell and Regeneration lab focuses on engineering human
pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to understand and regenerate region-specific neural circuits in
the spinal cord. Projects involve directing hPSC fate, developmental and neurodegenerative disease modeling in vitro, and biomanufacturing cell therapies. We are a small but growing team of collaborative, interdisciplinary scientists and engineers spanning biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, molecular biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience. We value inclusivity and promote creative teamwork as a means to develop innovative solutions to critical biomedical problems and enhance our mission to train the next generation of scientists. We are interested in highly self-motivated and collaborative team members, and will orient your experience in the lab to help you achieve your long-term professional goals.

Under the close supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will manage daily/weekly lab maintenance tasks, assist in the cultivation of human stem cells, and provide support for a range standardized assays used in the laboratory. 

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting of instruments, taking and recording corrective actions, maintenance of equipment in working order.
• Assist in the setup of new procedures, modification of existing procedures, update of procedure manuals
• Participate in lab duties maintaining shared lab space and supplies
• Attends mandatory annual training sessions in fire safety, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety, HIPAA compliance
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed i.e., assisting in order and stock levels, making lab stock solutions for assays and culture medium, autoclave trash, waste pick-up coordinator, protocol write-ups and updates of general lab activities
• Human stem cell culture - standard cell culture techniques, media preparation, cell expansion, cell storage
• Molecular biology - standard assays (qPCR), protein and immunohistochemistry characterization of cells and tissue samples
• Specific experimental assistance and/or independent project management as needed

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills typically acquired by a BS degree in biomedical engineering, biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
• Wet lab, biological laboratory experience (academic or industrial)
• Ability to work accurately, effectively, within a team and independently under pressure and to meet deadlines
• Ability to manage work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; highly self-motivated
• Ability to multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Motivation to learn and grow in scientific expertise
• Ability to trouble-shoot technical issues
• Ability to plan and prioritize work while responding flexibly to rapidly changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, basic molecular biology techniques, and fluorescence imaging
• Ability to read scientific literature and adapt/design new protocols
• Accurate, detailed data and record keeping
• Experience with ImageJ, statistical software and/or programming

If interested in the position, formally apply with a CV and cover letter. Your CV should summarize past academic, professional and research experience along with the names of two potential references. The short cover letter should detail (1) why you are interested in our lab, (2) your short- and long-term career goals, and (3) how you would support an inclusive environment inside and outside the lab.   Please visit the lab website www.iyerlab.com for more information when applying.

The position is available full-time or part-time, depending on the requirements of the individual applicant. This is a grant funded position and is not eligible for severance pay.