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Harvard University · 1 day ago

Research Assistant I Lab

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

1+ years exp

Harvard University is a prestigious institution dedicated to innovation and collaboration. The Balskus lab is seeking a Research Assistant I to provide experimental support for developing therapeutics for the vaginal microbiome, assisting in the design, execution, and analysis of various assays.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

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

Qualification

Biochemical assaysBacterial growth evaluationAnaerobic microbial cultureLab automationAssay developmentData analysisPythonCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsTeamwork

Required

A minimum of 1-year full time research experience working in a biological or chemistry laboratory setting, with specific experience in performing biochemical assays and evaluating bacterial growth

College level course work required