Research Assistant - Comparative Pathobiology

The Department of Comparative Pathobiology at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University conducts world-class research, fosters scholarly activity, and trains veterinary, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees. Disciplines represented in the department, which has approximately 20 faculty members, includes physiology, neurosciences, infectious diseases, pharmacology, biochemistry, anatomy, anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, clinical skills, veterinary education, and laboratory animal medicine. The department hosts and trains pathology residents, graduate students, and summer research students.

The mission of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology (CPB) is:

1. To deliver quality veterinary student teaching and graduate and postdoctoral training programs
2. To conduct state-of-the-art biomedical research
3. To foster scholarly activity

The Department of Comparative Pathobiology within the laboratory of Dr. Andrea Varela-Stokes (PI) and John Stokes (Co-I) is looking for a Research Assistant who is a strong team player with the potential to lead.

Responsibilities for this grant-funded Research Assistant include:

• Under supervision, plan and conduct research and take responsibility for data collection and analysis in accordance with laboratory goals.
• Collaborate with other research lab members to develop and implement novel research methods.
• Contribute to original research for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals.
• Assist with laboratory animal use and colony management.
• As experience is gained, participate in mentoring students and less experienced scientists.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Bachelor's in biology, immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures
• Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments
• 6 months - 3 years of prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, undergraduate research lab experiences, internships, or employment
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with basic immunological and/or molecular techniques
• Experience performing cell culture
• Experience working with pathogens at BSL-2
• Experience working with animals

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

Some brief evening and weekend work may be requested where it can be accommodated.