Overview
Members of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology are actively engaged in research on fundamental and medically related problems in microbiology and molecular genetics. Active projects include studies of the genetics and biochemistry of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, and their interaction with host cells, the mode of action of antibiotics and drug resistance, the intracellular organization of bacteria, mechanisms of gene regulation, mechanisms of virus entry, gene expression, replication and assembly. The Department strives to be an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates the diversity and diverse experiences of its members (https://medicine.tufts.edu/about/academic-departments/basic-science-departments/molecular-biology-and-microbiology).
What You'll Do
Under close supervision of Principal Investigator, individuals in this Research Technician position will conduct a variety of routine experiments following established procedures and protocols, which may include performing primarily genetic and biochemical analyses of Clostridioides difficile, a major healthcare-associated bacterial pathogen. The technician will record test results, analyze data, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, present at lab meetings, attend conferences, and ideally will contribute to the data collection, analysis, and writing of manuscripts.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree in science with up to one year laboratory experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and procedures, but biochemistry experience with protein purifications using HPLC and protein-protein interaction techniques is desirable but not necessary.
- Familiarity with molecular cloning techniques, protein purification, anaerobic culture, fluorescence microscopy, and/or standard microbiology is desirable but training will be provided otherwise.
- The individual must be self-motivated, possess analytical skills and be vested in the scientific endeavor.
- The position requires someone who is reliable, conscientious, systematic, organized, willing to learn, and works well with others.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion required.
- Applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences are particularly encouraged to apply. https://diversity.nih.gov/about-us/population-underrepresented
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
It may be necessary to lift moderately heavy objects (20-40 lbs.), to climb up ladders to reach objects on shelves, and to carry out non-strenuous but repetitive activities such as pipetting. The technician is expected to work semi-independently, and will be trained to work safely with potentially dangerous chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms (Clostridioides difficile). The technician must have good vision and be able to communicate clearly in order to work effectively with others and to carry out experiments. The individual will work with agents that if improperly handled will pose a hazard to others. The nature of the experiments will require some hours in the evenings and on weekends.
An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.
Equal Opportunity Employer – minority/females/veterans/disability/sexual orientation/gender identity.
