Overview
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 Metabolism and Basic Biology of Aging research directive focuses on understanding cellular and molecular processes that contribute to age-related disease, as well as the role of nutrition in regulating the underlying mechanisms that promote healthy aging.
The Promislow Lab at the HNRCA is focused on understanding the mechanisms that underlie natural genetic variation in aging, using the fruit fly as a model system. Dr. Promislow is also Principal Investigator of the Dog Aging Project, a nationwide study of healthy aging in companion dogs.
What You'll Do
This is a grant-funded position and is not eligble 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. The Technician will be expected to 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. The Research Technician will record test results, analyze data using basic statistics, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies. They will also contribute to regular meetings and one-on-one discussions about project design and progress.
Essential Functions:
- Conducts routine experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results
- Performs sample extraction, DNA extraction, PCR, spectrophotometry
- 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
- Manages fly stocks
Basic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline with at least one year research experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Statistical coding experience with R
- Experience working with Drosophila
- 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
Working Conditions:
- May work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials
Pay Range
Minimum $20.10, Midpoint $23.90, Maximum $27.70
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
