What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant I/II/III position at The Jackson Laboratory?
The Stitzel Laboratory at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in the Hartford, CT area is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join a dynamic and productive team of scientists as a Research Assistant II/III. This individual will contribute to NIH, Department of Defense, and American Diabetes Association-supported projects using functional genomics techniques and analyses to discover and modulate genes and pathways linked to diabetes in human metabolic tissues and cell types.
The team is highly collaborative and includes bench and computational scientists working closely together to understand the genetic basis of diabetes risk and progression using innovative functional (epi)genomic experimental and analytic approaches. Our interdisciplinary projects include collaborations with basic science and clinical investigators at JAX and area institutions. Mentorship and career development for each lab member is a top priority in the group, and we encourage growth and skill development both in laboratory techniques and in written and spoken scientific communication.
Expertise in culture and experimental manipulation of primary human cells and cell lines is critical for this position, and proficiency in basic molecular biology and cloning techniques is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience designing, completing, and interpreting original experiments, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of appropriate positive and negative controls. The range of duties includes, but is not limited to: project planning; experimental design and budgeting; developing experimental methods; completing and troubleshooting experiments; collecting, interpreting, and presenting experimental data and results; contributing to reports and publications.
The Research Assistant II/III will likely assist in training or supervising others to complete specific techniques or portions of experiments.
As project deadlines demand, individuals may be required to work flexible shifts that could include evening, weekend, and/or holiday hours.
Responsibilities
- Proposes alternative research methods, techniques and initiatives demonstrating knowledge of other scientific areas and related research
- Demonstrates scientific knowledge and analytical skills to monitor, modify, and design the research process. Designs, modifies, and troubleshoots highly specialized equipment.
- Independently expands scope of literature search to support and/or propose alternative experimental methods, procedures and/or techniques.
- Analyzes and resolves variations in complex tests, experiments and procedures; designs and implements modifications and changes to techniques, procedures and quality control measures
- Leads multiple, concurrent projects and/or multi-faceted projects; directs others in making modifications
- Evaluates documentation of results; leads efforts to modify and adapt research methodologies in collaboration with others; ensures compliance with regulatory standards.
- Manages laboratory resources, may include budget and personnel; establishes priorities in the use of resources including space, field, equipment and/or facilities.
- Gathers information to prepare budget and proposes estimates for acquisition of supplies and equipment
- Understands research goals thoroughly; can instruct and inform others about past and future research directives. Also coordinates with outside collaborators to open new avenues or points of interest of research. Shows a willingness to teach as well as be taught.
- Established understanding of good safety practices and a demonstrated history of safe conduct.
- Self-motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage details, and bring experiments and projects to completion.
- Advanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentations.
- The RA III may have direct supervisory responsibilities and is accountable to ensure the effective training and development program for assigned personnel and to identify and develop staff. Develop training and development programs to strengthen technical and management skills. Performs statistical analysis; interprets and evaluates results, and compiles data for peer and PI review and assist in preparing manuscripts for publication.
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
