Research Assistant 1

Research Assistant 1 - MCRI Huggins Lab at Tufts Medicine Job Overview This position reports to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Gordon Huggins, and provides assistance in support of research activities under close supervision. The Huggins laboratory studies the role of FHOD3 in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The incumbent will perform general molecular biological methods including primary mouse adult cardiomyocyte isolation, extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins, RT-PCR, Western blotting, mitochondria isolation, seahorse assay (assessing mitochondrial function), histological assays including tissue collection/harvesting and staining, and computer‑assisted color image analysis. Experience in preparation of iPSC is a plus. Analysis of human tissue samples is also performed. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications 0-2 years of research experience. Bachelor's degree preferred in biology, biochemistry, physiology or other bioscience program. Duties and Responsibilities Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Performs a variety of routine laboratory tests and procedures according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules. Maintains records of results and methodology. Log work performed. Uses an appropriate safety procedure for handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances. Ensures that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with such procedures. Assists with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies. Maintains department records, reports and files as required. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in‑service meetings, and workshops. Attends meetings as required. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working group’s achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment. Physical Requirements Normal laboratory environment. May be exposed to radioactivity, chemicals used in DNA, PCR technology and protein electrophoresis, biohazardous material, and replication deficient adenoviruses, under controlled conditions in accordance with institutional safety standard requirements. May include work in the evening, nights or weekends. Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled. May access PHI/HIPAA identifiers as part of daily tasks. Skills & Abilities Excellent problem solving skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure as well as with other members of the research team. Must possess strong oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and reliability. Highly organized and highly trustworthy and thus able to work with both expensive equipment and highly precious resources (e.g., animals). Knowledge of general laboratory techniques including a sound foundation in basic cellular and molecular techniques. Good manual dexterity. Understand cross‑cultural differences. At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day. The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals. Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it. Pay Range $43,888.00 - $53,337.55 #J-18808-Ljbffr