Research Technician Diet, Brain and Sensory Systems

Research Technician Position

The mission of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators examine how nutrition and physical activity play a role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging. The major goals of the Diet and Aging Brain, Sensory Systems research directive are to (1) identify dietary patterns, specific foods or their components through associations with brain- and vision-related outcomes, as measured in multiple, well characterized longitudinal and prospective studies;

and (2) identify their mechanisms and processes using in vivo and in vitro models of age-related brain and visual aging that focus on changes in cognition, inflammation, neurogenesis, neuronal connectivity, and microbiome.

This is a grant funded position and is not eligible for severance pay.

Under close supervision of the Principal Investigator and other lab members, the Research Technician conducts a variety of routine experiments following established procedures and protocols, which may include monitoring and feeding laboratory animals, performing assays, tissue culture, electrophoresis, tissue dissection and immunohistochemistry, and other laboratory techniques. Will also record test results, analyze data using basic statistics, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.

The Research Technician may also be called upon to adapt new assays as well as read and interpret scientific literature. The Research Technician will oversee a large aging mouse colony and will have specific tasks involving feeding custom diets, administering microbiota, imaging eyes, and performing electroretinography.

• Conducts routine experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results such as tissue dissection, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, PCR, electrophoresis, and others
• Records results and maintains accurate records of experiments
• Performs limited data interpretation and assists with basic statistics and analysis
• Maintains laboratory equipment and orders/keeps inventory of supplies
• Prepares stock solutions, reagents and other media
• Monitors animal colonies and performs husbandry, collects samples, organizes custom feeding of mice, delivers microbiota, performs ocular imaging and electroretinography, and maintains census records

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's Degree in science
• Up to one year laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry or related field
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques (pH meter, spectrophotometers, balance, PCR), sterile cell culture facility, and essential standard procedures

Pay Range:
Minimum $20.90, Midpoint $24.90, Maximum $28.90 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.