Research Assistant

Job Summary: Under supervision of the principal investigator, conducts a variety of routine experiments using molecular, cell biology and/or biochemistry techniques. Records test results, calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data using basic statistics.

The Human Sleep and Inflammatory Systems Laboratory at the BIDMC is an international leader in conducting research on the biological basis for the effects of sleep loss, using models of controlled experimental exposure to insufficient sleep with the aim of defining physiological and inflammatory response phenotypes to acute and chronic sleep loss exposure.

Position Summary: We are looking to fill a full time benefitted position at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as a Research Assistant I. Flexible scheduling with some evening and weekend rotation required. This position involves two main areas of responsibility: 
1) Laboratory work (80%). Responsibilities include processing of biological specimens from our study participants conducting cell stimulation work, RNA/DNA extraction, flow cytometry, assays of immune and endocrine measures. Previous pipetting skills and experience is highly recommended. 
2) Clinical work (20%). Responsibilities include recruiting and scheduling of participants in the Clinical Research Center, as well as helping to coordinate and oversee student research aids. Additional responsibilities include general lab management: maintaining lab supplies, coordinating with study team members, maintaining administrative paperwork.

Essential Responsibilities: 

1. Conducts routine tests following established procedures, which may include assays, DNA sequencing, tissue culture, protein purification, Southern blotting, PCR analysis, electrophoresis, chromatography.
2. Uses standard research equipment such as microscopes, incubators, autoclaves, centrifuges.
3. Researches and collects basic study data through monitoring devices and maintains daily logs/basic records of methodologies and test results. With supervision, using databases, may summarize data and interpret results using descriptive statistics and basic hypothesis testing.
4. May write standard operating procedures for documentation and make informal presentations of these procedures to others in the lab.
5. Performs literature searches and library investigations as they relate to the research and/or as assigned.

1. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Life Science or a related scientific field required.
2. 0-1 years related work experience required.
3. Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment, computers (databases, spreadsheets, statistics) and scientific procedures.
4. Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.

1. Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.
2. Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
3. Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
4. Written Communications: Ability to read, and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.
5. Oral Communications: Ability to understand spoken English in order to follow basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively in basic English with patients, families and medical center staff in response to routine questions.
6. Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to use them in routine situations. Specialized knowledge not required.
7. Team Work: Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information or deliver services.
8. Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.