Research Assistant I Lab

Job Summary:

The Balskus lab is searching for a technician to provide experimental support for an on-going project aimed at developing therapeutics for 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. Final candidates may be asked to demonstrate their technical ability through an in-lab demonstration.

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 vaginal bacterial cultures for testing in various enzymatic assays.
• Assist in the maintenance of equipment and instrumentation for these analyses including lab automation instruments such as a Biomek iSeries and other liquid handling instruments.
• Inoculation and maintenance of anaerobic microbial cultures from freezer stocks in preparation for assays.
• Preparation and sterilization of growth media.
• Purification of enzymes.
• Preparation and analysis of samples through 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.
• Working with a senior lab member, develop workflows for processing and analyzing the resulting data using python. Report 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. The primary responsibility will include the maintenance, utilization, and training of other lab members of a Biomek iSeries liquid handling workstation.
• 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.
• 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 (Gates Foundation) when necessary.

Working Conditions:

Monday-Friday on campus