Overview

The Tufts Department of Biology is dedicated to providing for our students a unified and comprehensive view of biological processes and opportunities for undergraduates to actively participate in cutting-edge biological research in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology.  The Department of Biology maintains an active research and teaching program on the Medford campus and in various field locales, and trains and advises graduate and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows.

What You'll Do

The position will begin in September 2024. The initial appointment will be for 1 year, with potential for extension of at least another year depending on available funds and performance.

The Hussain Laboratory in the Department of Biology at Tufts University is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic full-time entry-level research technician. The Hussain Lab will open this Fall and will be housed in a recently renovated research space on the Medford, MA campus of Tufts University.

Fatima Aysha Hussain is a new Assistant Professor with a background in environmental microbiology and human microbiome research. Her lab will focus on understanding the ecology and evolution of the vaginal microbiome with an emphasis on microbe-microbe interactions and phage-driven evolution of the bacterial community.

The technician will work on a variety of wet-lab and dry-lab projects investigating bacteria and phage interactions in the vaginal ecosystem. They will also be tasked with helping to set up the new lab space, which will include ordering materials and equipment, organizing samples, setting up computational resources, and helping to plan out the use of the space.

With guidance, the candidate will plan and conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, keep careful

records, and communicate data to the PI and lab team members. Responsibilities will include executing research projects and lab management.

Specific tasks include:

- Anaerobic bacteriology

- Design and execution of bacteria-phage interaction experiments

- Developing lab protocols

- Ordering lab supplies and helping to set up lab equipment

- Setting up computational storage and cluster maintenance

- Running existing pipelines to analyze genomic data using python and R

- Analyzing, writing, and visualizing results for publications and grant applications

- Participating in and presenting in lab meetings and journal clubs

The successful candidate should have at least a B.Sc. in a relevant field (e.g., biology, microbiology, bioinformatics). Prior experience with anaerobic culturing, molecular techniques, sequencing, and data analysis is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively, solve problems efficiently, coordinate multiple projects, and thrive in an open-lab design with shared communal spaces is essential.

The Hussain laboratory values diversity and inclusivity and fostering an academic/research environment where professional growth and distinct career choices are appreciated.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree in science with at least one year of practical laboratory experience
• Experience in one or more of the following experimental techniques: bacterial culturing, PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction + sequencing library preparation, or molecular cloning
• The analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles
• An interest in or experience with computational biology tools (Python, R, Bioconductor)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specific experience with anaerobic microbiology or phage assays
• Experience using python, R, and Unix

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

This position will work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials. Need to adhere to proper safety procedures. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay Range

Minimum $20.10, Midpoint $23.90, Maximum $27.70

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.