Research Technician Molecular Biology & Microbiology TUSM

About the role

Members of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology are actively engaged in research on fundamental and medically related problems in microbiology and molecular genetics. Active projects include studies of the genetics and biochemistry of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, and their interaction with host cells, the mode of action of antibiotics and drug resistance, the intracellular organization of bacteria, mechanisms of gene regulation, mechanisms of virus entry, gene expression, replication and assembly. The Department strives to be an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates the diversity and diverse experiences of its members (https://medicine.tufts.edu/about/academic-departments/basic-science-departments/molecular-biology-and-microbiology).

Responsibilities

• Conduct a variety of routine experiments following established procedures and protocols, primarily genetic and biochemical analyses of Clostridioides difficile.
• Record test results and analyze data.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Present at lab meetings and attend conferences.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and writing of manuscripts.
• Plan and execute experiments requiring biochemical, molecular biology, and genetic studies of Clostridioides difficile spore germination.
• Provide specialized laboratory assistance in support of genetic, biochemical, molecular biology, and cell biological techniques in studies of Clostridioides difficile, including PCR, electrophoresis, protein purification using HPLC, co-affinity purification analyses, molecular cloning, and others.
• Record results and maintain accurate records of experiments.
• Collect, compile, and assist in analyzing research data and writing reports, including use of basic statistics; perform literature searches and integrate information into experimental planning and data analysis.
• Maintain notes and files including research results, protocols, methods, and other documentation.
• Assist in planning, design, and development of new protocols and experiments.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and order/keep inventory of supplies; help monitor receipt and purchasing of lab supplies.
• Provide oversight for the safe operation of the lab.
• Provide functional support for laboratory personnel by helping keep the lab organized and well-stocked; may assist with experiments of lab members or help with common equipment (e.g., freezer defrosting).
• Attend lab meetings, super-group meetings, research seminars; present data where appropriate including at conferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in science with up to one year laboratory experience.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Biochemistry experience with protein purifications using HPLC and protein-protein interaction techniques is desirable but not necessary.
• Familiarity with molecular cloning techniques, protein purification, anaerobic culture, fluorescence microscopy, and/or standard microbiology is desirable; training will be provided otherwise.
• Self‑motivated, analytical skills, vested in the scientific endeavor.
• Reliable, conscientious, systematic, organized, willing to learn, and works well with others.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion required.

Pay

• Minimum $20.90
• Midpoint $24.90
• Maximum $28.90

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.