Overview

The Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health (IDGH) combines four important areas of expertise within Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. These are public/population health, international medicine, wildlife and conservation medicine, and infectious disease research. The alignment of these areas promotes cross-disciplinary strengths that are important in achieving the department's goal of improving human, animal and ecosystem health locally, nationally and globally. Much of the research in the department aims to advance understanding of the biology and host interaction of pathogens, particularly those causing enteric disease, and to use this information to develop immunotherapy and vaccines against the pathogens.

What You'll Do

The position involves working in Biosafety Level 2 research and animal laboratories (BSL/ABSL-2). The candidate will be expected to work in collaboration with the senior investigator and laboratory staff to design and execute experiments involving mostly investigations on development and evaluation of vaccine candidates and immune reagents intended for research use for various enteric infections. 

Key responsibilities as a Research Assistant include:

• Coordinate assigned project tasks involving hands-on skills of standard microbiological and molecular procedures such as bacterial culture and quantification, DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Record-keeping
• Data analysis (including DNA sequence data)
• Able to work on experiments using multiple models for the principal investigator with limited supervision.
• Assist/manage animal experiments, duties involve are monitoring disease progression and manifestation, sample collection and analysis by performing laboratory procedures, analyze data and presenting results to investigator.
• General lab maintenance; restocking lab supplies, organization and maintenance including glassware cleaning, disposal of hazardous and biohazardous waste, autoclaving; minor equipment maintenance; preparing solutions.
• Assist with data analysis, grants and manuscript writing, literature search, help to train technicians and graduate students, perform scholarly activities, and attend scientific meetings and seminars, other duties as directed by the PI.

The position may involve performing scientific work on several projects under the leadership of the PI as requested.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience OR Master’s degree and up to one year laboratory experience.
•  Required computer/technical skills: Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and biostatistics.
• Valid US driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in science
• Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures, data interpretation and statistical analysis
• Microbiology laboratory skills
• Experience working with BSL2 agents preferred
• Work with animal models

Pay Range

Minimum $47,800.00, Midpoint $59,850.00, Maximum $71,900.00
 

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