The Research Assistant will be part of a laboratory that investigates the basic mechanisms by which exercise has beneficial effects on health. Using a wide variety of research methods and procedures - their studies focus on skeletal muscle signaling and metabolism as related to diabetes, adipose tissue biology, and the effects of maternal exercise on offspring metabolic health.
Working effectively with the other members of the research team, this role will be responsible for biochemical assays, genotyping mice, cell culture experiments, muscle and adipose tissue incubation studies, and experiments of in vivo metabolism. Additionally, this role may cooperate work with research fellows; handle and study small lab animals; collect and process tissues; perform biochemical, enzymatic, molecular, immunological and physiological tests; use of radioactive tracers; maintain and organize records; calculate, compile and graph data; and prepare presentations and reports.
For more information on the laboratory's focus go to: https://www.joslin.org/find-an-expert/laurie-goodyear
Responsibilities
Handling small laboratory animals, including weighing and taking tail blood for glucose tolerance tests.
Maintenance of the transgenic animal colonies.
Genotype mice and maintain up to date records and inventories.
Grow, maintain and assay multiple cell lines in culture.
Tissue collection and processing of samples perform western blotting, ELISAs, biochemical assays, qPCR as well as other duties as assigned.
Prepare various reports for presentation of data in laboratory meetings.
Maintain a clearly written and organized experimental notebook.
Assist in the generation and maintenance of various databases
Assist in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and order supplies as necessary
Work effectively and constructively with other 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.
Effectively organize work schedule to accomplish the completion of multiple tasks.
Dispose of chemical and biohazardous wastes safely, maintain records of radioactivity use and disposal, and regularly communicate with the JDC Safety Office to ensure compliance with all Safety protocols.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Exercise Science.
Minimum 1 year of demonstrated practical experience with relevant laboratory methods
Significant demonstrated undergraduate practical experience with relevant laboratory methods.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to navigate at a basic level within various web-based applications.
Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment - in a wet laboratory setting.
Ability to follow general instructions and procedures, as provided.
Strong organizational and communication skills (communicate clearly and effectively via verbal and written instruction).
Ability to prioritize responsibilities - through completion.
Ability to work independently and with others in the lab - to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts.
