The Rare Disease Translational Center is seeking a motivated, detail oriented full time Research Assistant to join our team at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. The successful candidate will be working with a dynamic team to develop and characterize clinically relevant mouse models with a focus on behavioral, molecular biology and biomarker analysis. This position is a wonderful opportunity for experienced associates to expand their skills in molecular biology and mouse phenotyping capabilities in rare disease research.

The Rare Disease Translational Center supports the overall mission of The Jackson Laboratory: To discover precise genomic solution for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. The RDTC works directly with foundations and their associated teams of basic and clinical researchers to generate custom mouse models with clinical mutations to treat and cure rare disease. This position is an exciting opportunity to work directly with the Center in supporting this mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement best practices and standard processes in daily work to support efficiencies, quality, and safety.
• Identifies problems, troubleshoots and analyzes variations observed and reported in regular testing protocols; modifies, refines or adapts techniques and procedures; modifies and/or adjusts quality control measures.
• Data collection, analysis and interpretation
• Monitors documentation of results; reviews and recognizes documentation which may lead to modification and adaptation of research methodologies; may collaborate with others.
• Plans and monitors resources needed to for specific projects and lab tasks
• Conducts multiple experiments and is responsible for maintenance of equipment used in those experiments. Is organized, responsible and reports results clearly and efficiently to supervisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with 1-3 years of experience in a molecular/ cellular biology laboratory setting.
• Ability to interact with all individuals in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program Performs statistical analysis; interprets and evaluates results and compiles data for peer and PI review.
• Demonstrated ability in mouse handling (e.g., behavioral testing and/or necropsy/sample/tissue collection/processing) and/or husbandry skills (note prior experience not required if candidate is willing to learn and work with mice (ante- and postmortem))
• Demonstrated ability in performing and/or development of wet bench research protocols including Western Blot (e.g., Simple Wes), qPCR (e.g., TaqMan), ddPCR; immunofluorescence microscopy (e.g., RNAscope, antibody based IF) and/or immunohistochemistry microscopy.
• Demonstrated ability in reagent, drug and/or test article formulation.
• Demonstrated basic tissue culture skills (e.g., HeLa, NIH3T3 and/or HEK293)
• Demonstrated ability for data monitoring, analysis and interpretation.
• Established understanding of good safety practices and a demonstrated history of safe conduct
• Self-motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage details
• Advanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentations
• Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible
• Reliable and consistent attendance