Senior Research Assistant II/Lab Manager (Integrative Physiology and Metabolism) - Joslin Diabetes Center

Overview

The Kahn lab is at the forefront of basic and translational science research in the area diabetes and metabolic disease. This includes studies of insulin signaling and metabolism in tissues throughout the body, and how this process is modified by diabetes, obesity, the gut microbiome, and epigenetic factors.  The lab studies adipose tissue, muscle and liver biology and tissue secreted exosomal miRNAs using in vivo and in vitro models, including differentiated human iPS cells.

The Senior Research Assistant II/Lab Manager will also function as a leader and resource in the Kahn lab. Thus, additional responsibilities will include: overseeing laboratory organization, equipment and supplies; working independently, as well as cooperatively, with research fellows and students; performance of biochemical, enzymatic, molecular, immunological and physiological tests, including western blotting and qPCR; some experiments may involve handling small lab animals and collection and processing tissue and occasional use of radioactive tracers; maintaining and organizing records; calculating, compiling and graphing data; and preparation of presentations and reports.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. We require that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• General laboratory procedures and laboratory management
• Must be adept at tissue culture, including cells requiring differentiation in culture, such as iPS cells or preadipocytes
• Cell-based assays
• Performance of qPCR, western blotting, ELISAs, and biochemical assays
• Experience in DNA manipulation a benefit
• Some studies may involve mice, including weighing and taking tail blood, physiological testing, and tissue collection, as well as genotyping and maintenance of transgenic animal colonies
• Organization and presentation of data for reports and in laboratory meetings, including registration of lab protocols with Harvard COMS (Committee on Microbiological Safety)
• Work with the JDC Safety Office to ensure compliance with all Safety protocols
• Maintain a clearly written and organized experimental electronic notebook, and assist in the generation and maintenance of various databases
• Oversee maintenance of laboratory equipment and order supplies as necessary
• Work collaboratively with others in the lab, as well as members of other research groups at the Joslin and with our collaborators at other institutions
• Effectively organize work schedule to accomplish the completion of multiple tasks or multiple experimental procedures
• Take responsibility for planning experiments and contributing to the overall organization of the laboratory in order to effectively utilize work time
• Dispose of chemical and biohazardous wastes safely
• Maintain records of radioactivity use and disposal
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science with extensive experience, Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, or higher preferred
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated practical experience with relevant laboratory methods
• Experience working with mice
• Experience with cell culture and in vitro differentiation techniques
• Knowledge of standard protein chemistry and molecular biology techniques, and some experience with DNA engineering
• Advanced knowledge of software for analysis of scientific data, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and GraphPad
• Detail oriented, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities – through completion
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other members of the lab, professional staff, and external contacts
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills