Research Assistant II, Rare Disease Translational Center

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 cellular and molecular biology techniques as well as biomarker analysis. This position is a wonderful opportunity for experienced associates to expand their skills in molecular biology and 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.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 for specific projects and lab tasksConducts multiple experiments and is responsible for maintenance of equipment used in those experiments.Is organized, responsible and reports results clearly and efficiently to supervisor.Demonstrated ability in mouse handling (e.g., behavioral testing and/or necropsy/sample/tissue collection/processing) and/or husbandry skillsNote: prior experience not required but handling and necropsy animals is a required task for the position (ante- and postmortem) so willingness to be taught is requiredDemonstrated ability in performing and/or development of molecular research protocols including Western Blot (e.g., Simple Wes), qPCR (e.g., TaqMan), ddPCRDemonstrated ability in performing and/or development of molecular research protocols including; immunofluorescence microscopy (e.g., RNAscope, antibody based IF) and/or immunohistochemistry microscopyDemonstrated ability in reagent, drug and/or test article formulation. Demonstrated ability for data monitoring, analysis and interpretation.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline OR 3-6 years of related experience in a 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 development of wet bench research protocols including Western Blot, Simple Wes, qPCR, ddPCR; mouse handling and husbandry skills preferredEstablished understanding of good safety practices and a demonstrated history of safe conductSelf-motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage detailsAdvanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentationsDemonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexibleRegular, reliable and consistent attendance

Pay Range: $44,937 - $65,159, pay is based on experience.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and 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.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

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.