Research Assistant I/II/III - (O'Connell Lab) Job at The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory Bar Harbor, ME 04609

The Laboratory of Dr. Kristen O’Connell is seeking a highly organized and skilled Research Assistant I/II/III. The O’Connell Lab focuses on the impact of genetic and environmental factors on diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our goal is to ultimately improve therapies for these conditions by identifying individual variations that may make people more or less responsive to treatments. We are recruiting people to join our team to contribute to two new exciting projects: characterizing novel mouse models of disease to identify potential new drug targets, and preclinical testing of novel and repositioned drug therapies in our genetically diverse mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
The successful candidate for this position primarily will be responsible for conducting mouse behavioral assays, performing tissue collection, assisting with mouse colony maintenance, and contributing to data analysis. We are especially seeking individuals with a strong willingness to learn new skills, excellent attention to detail, and who are capable of working independently as well as in a team environment. We are a supportive group, and your professional advancement and co-authorship on high-impact publications will be encouraged.
Key Responsibilities:
  • RA I:
    • Validate and conduct studies based upon standard experimental protocols within the agreed upon timelines with supervisor/technical manager. Ensure functionality and maintenance of instrumentation.
    • Perform behavioral assays in mouse models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease to measure memory and other Alzheimer’s-related traits
    • Work with senior lab members to score behavioral traits in mice and perform basic analysis to ensure proper functioning of equipment and consistency of testing
    • Animal husbandry, including maintaining mouse details in colony management software
    • Records all information, daily, in an official laboratory notebook. Participates in meetings with other team members to discuss progress and results of the project.
  • RA II:
    • Responsibilities of an RAI, plus:
    • Monitor results of experiments; collaborate with others to identify problems, analyze variations observed and reported in regular testing protocols, and to troubleshoot and modify/adapt techniques as necessary.
    • Plan and monitor resources needed to operate the laboratory; maintain inventory control; coordinate space and equipment.
    • Lead exchange of research information through demonstration and instruction
    • Assist in grant writing and proposal development.
    • Conduct multiple experiments and maintain equipment used in those experiments. Remain organized and responsible, and report results clearly and efficiently to supervisor.
    • Records all information, daily, in an official laboratory notebook
  • RA III:
    • In addition to the responsibilities for RAI/II, has experience (1+ years) with animal behavioral assays and preclinical drug testing, as well as strong data analysis skills and ability to function independently to plan, perform, and analyze outcomes of experiments.
    • Ability to interact with all individuals in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program, and ability to serve as day-to-day manager of other research staff.
    • The ability to work in a demanding, fast paced, team-oriented environment, while maintaining a high-level of professionalism.
    • Computer skills for data documentation, analysis, and presentation (Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalents) are required. Coding skills (R, Python, or equivalent) are a plus.
    • Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible
    • Demonstrated ability to positively influence the behavior of subordinates and teammates - previous training or supervisory experience preferred
Requirements:
  • RA I:
    • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline OR 1-3 years of related experience.
  • RA II:
    • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline OR 3 – 6 years of directly related experience in a Laboratory setting.
  • RA III:
    • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline plus 3 – 6 years of directly related experience in a Laboratory setting, including 1+ years of experience with brain slice electrophysiology
  • All levels:
    • Mouse handling and husbandry skills strongly preferred. Must be able to handle mice and perform interventions (e.g., administration of treatments) on mice after being trained and certified.
    • Fundamental computer skills, including familiarity with Excel and Word.
    • Ability to clearly and concisely communicate information verbally and in written form.
    • Must be a strong team-player and posses excellent listening skills.
    • Ability to work flexible shifts if needed (evening/week-end/holiday)
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.



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