Research Assistant, Infectious Disease and Biosafety Research (NERBL)

Overview

The New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NERBL) supports advanced infectious disease research focused on improving public health. As part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded national network of biosafety laboratories, NERBL provides state-of-the-art BSL-3 biocontainment laboratory and animal research facilities for academic, government, and industry investigators developing and evaluating vaccines, therapeutics, and other interventions targeting infectious diseases.

This position is fully onsite at Tufts University's Grafton campus, five days per week.

What You'll Do

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge infectious disease research involving pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Working within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments, you will conduct laboratory and animal-based studies while collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team to advance scientific discovery and public health initiatives.

Conduct Infectious Disease Research

• Perform research activities in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory settings in support of infectious disease studies.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to execute scientific projects and achieve study objectives.

• Conduct laboratory procedures, including:

• Cell culture

• Viral and bacterial culture and quantification

• DNA/RNA extraction

• RT-PCR and qPCR

• ELISA, serum neutralization assays, and ELISPOT

• Flow cytometry

• Microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques

• Additional microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and immunology assays

• Contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Learn and implement new laboratory techniques, technologies, and research methodologies.

Support Animal Research Studies

• Participate in in vivo studies utilizing small animal models, including mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and avian species.
• Monitor animal health and disease progression.
• Collect biological samples and perform study-related procedures.
• Assist with animal handling, anesthesia, necropsy, and tissue collection activities.

Analyze and Communicate Scientific Findings

• Accurately record, organize, and maintain research data.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results.
• Prepare protocols, SOPs, reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation.
• Assist with study design and execution to support research objectives.

Support Laboratory Operations and Compliance

• Assist with the operation, maintenance, scheduling, and recordkeeping of core laboratory equipment, including flow cytometers, qPCR systems, and imaging instruments.
• Participate in laboratory organization, inventory management, restocking, autoclaving, and biohazardous waste disposal.
• Provide training or guidance to laboratory staff, students, and research personnel, as appropriate.
• Maintain compliance with institutional biosafety requirements, laboratory SOPs, select agent regulations, and required training programs.
• Support NERBL operational activities and other research-related functions as needed.

What We're Looking For

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter with application.

In your cover letter, please tell us about your experience and interest in infectious disease research, any biosafety laboratory and/or animal research experience, relevant laboratory techniques and skills, and your interest in the New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NERBL).

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Sciences, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience; OR Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 1-3 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment.
• Experience with sterile cell culture techniques.
• Strong technical laboratory skills and demonstrated experience with microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and/or immunology methodologies.
• Experience working with, or willingness to work with, laboratory animals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and scientific software applications such as GraphPad Prism.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including accurate data collection and recordkeeping.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and present scientific findings in written and oral formats.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Willingness and eligibility to enroll in the Federal Select Agent Program.
• Ability to meet all occupational health requirements associated with A/BSL-3 laboratory work, including respirator use, medical screenings, and required immunizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree with a focus in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Experience performing routine virology, microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology assays.
• Competence in laboratory animal procedures, including blood collection, anesthesia, injections, necropsy, and tissue collection.
• Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory environment and familiarity with biocontainment procedures.

Pay Range

Minimum $50,500.00, Midpoint $63,200.00, Maximum $75,800.00

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