Research Assistant I, Infectious Diseases

Job Overview

This position reports to the Principal Investigator and provides assistance in support of research activities under close supervision.

The research aims to develop a subunit vaccine for babesiosis, a tick-borne infectious disease that has been emerging in New England. Testing will be done in laboratory mice and involve immunization, antibody titer assessment, experimental infection and monitoring of infection.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. One (1) year of research experience, including Mouse work, assessment of antibody titers by ELISA, use of flow cytometry

2. Bachelor’s degree (e.g., in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, or other bioscience program)

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

Performs a variety of routine laboratory tests and procedures according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.

Maintains records of results and methodology. Log work performed.

Uses an appropriate safety procedure for handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances. Ensures that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with such procedures.

Assists with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.

Maintains department records, reports and files as required.

Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.

Attends meetings as required.

Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Normal laboratory environment. May be exposed to radioactivity, chemicals used in DNA, PCR technology and protein electrophoresis, biohazardous material, and replication deficient adenoviruses, under controlled conditions in accordance with institutional safety standard requirements. • Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled. • May access PHI/HIPAA identifiers as part of daily tasks.

Skills & Abilities:

1.Excellent written and oral communication skills.

2. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), and familiarity with databases (e.g., experience using MS Access).

3. Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle competing demands in order to meet project timelines.

4. Ability to follow directions from supervisor and work well in a collaborative team environment.

6. Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities as needed.

7. Ability to be meticulous and detail-oriented in following procedures and recordkeeping.