Research Technician, Metabolism and Biology of Aging

The mission of the Jean Mayer 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 conduct the world's most advanced studies on nutrition and aging. The research focuses on determining the nutrient and physical activity requirements necessary to promote well-being for older adults.

HNRCA scientists examine how nutrition and physical activity play a major role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging.

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

The Research Technician will be responsible for maintaining fly stocks, carrying out behavioral and demographic assays in flies, and isolating DNA and metabolite samples from flies. Establish a robust and standardized pipeline for these activities, including an efficient and well-organized workflow, which may require adapting new assays and reading and interpreting scientific literature. Record test results, analyze data using basic statistics, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.

Contribute to regular meetings and one-on-one discussions about project design and progress.

• Maintains laboratory equipment and orders/keeps inventory of supplies
• Prepares stock solutions, reagents and other media
• Manages fly stocks
• Manages undergraduate lab workers
• Conducts routine experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results
• Records results and maintains accurate records of experiments
• Performs sample extraction, DNA extraction, PCR, spectrophotometry
• Performs limited data interpretation and assists with basic statistics and analysis

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline with at least one year research experience
• Up to 1 year of related laboratory experience

• Statistical coding experience with R
• Basic understanding of the biology of aging
• Willingness and ability to work independently, and also collaboratively as part of a team
• Very strong organizational skills

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.