Research Assistant, Biomedical Research (NERBL)

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.

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).

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Sciences, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience; ORMaster'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.

• 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.