Research Assistant I (46993BR)
Department Description: Laboratory work will involve the processing of blood specimens from human clinical vaccine trials and the evaluation of immune responses elicited by novel vaccine strategies against COVID-19, HIV-1, and other emerging pathogens. Responsibilities will include using proper tissue culture techniques and following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) protocols for isolating PBMC, serum, plasma, and mucosal specimens. Research activities will involve performing a variety of tissue culture-based immune assays, primarily focuses on measuring antibody responses against COVID-19, HIV-1, and other emerging pathogens. All laboratory work will be performed using protocols and techniques supporting the principles of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).
Job Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Req ID: 46993BR
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.
Department Specific Job Responsibilities:
- Processes human blood and serum samples using tissue culture and other laboratory techniques defined by the principles of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standard operating procedures (SOPs). These human samples are obtained from phase I/II clinical trials testing candidate HIV-1 vaccines.
- Performs in vitro tissue culture-based immune assays to study antibody-mediated immunity to HIV-1 in humans.
- Maintains and updates procedures and regulatory documentation associated with clinical trial work and other various research programs.
- Coordinates the shipment, pickup and tracking of clinical trials specimens from the laboratory's affiliated clinical sites.
- Obtains and maintains Dangerous Goods Shipping certification and other certifications related to GCLP and Human Subjects Research Education.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Conducts routine tests following established procedures, which may include assays, DNA sequencing, tissue culture, protein purification, Southern blotting, PCR analysis, electrophoresis, chromatography.
- 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.
- May write standard operating procedures for documentation and make informal presentations of these procedures to others in the lab.
- Performs literature searches and library investigations as they relate to the research and/or as assigned.
- Due to the dynamic environment in which research exists, must show flexibility in performing principal duties and responsibilities as research projects evolve.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Life Science or a related scientific field required.
- 0-1 years related work experience required.
- Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment, computers (databases, spreadsheets, statistics) and scientific procedures.
- Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.
Competencies:
- Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.
- 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.
- Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.
Physical Nature of the Job:
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Some elements of the job are sedentary, but the employee will be required to stand for periods of time or move through out the hospital campus
EOE Statement
BIDMC is EOE M/F/VET/DISABILITY/GENDER IDENTITY/SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Vaccines
As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. BILH requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.