Job Summary:

The Lab Assistant position is one component of a research team. The Lab Assistant helps with the operation of mass spectrometers and provides project management tasks under the supervision of the principal investigator. The incumbent functions under supervision and receives detailed instructions on the approach to take and the methods to use. The incumbent is expected to use initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions but defers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not previously encountered to the supervisor or subject matter expert for guidance. Must have clearance to work in a government facility, fingerprinting required.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the operation of mass spectrometers, experimenting with lab rodents (mice and rats) being used in biomedical research
• Provide project management on database research
• Collect research data
• Perform data analysis in collaboration with the project team and other VA databases
• Participate in and contribute ideas and suggestions to the data analysis process, including problem formulation, hypothesis development, statistical test selection, and final interpretation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills:

• Three years prior experience working with mass spectrometer is required.
• Demonstrate interest in getting hands-on experience in research (particularly in the early stages of drug development for Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Comfortable working with rodents
• Able to handle unfavorable outcomes including animal deaths
• Self-motivated and vigilant
• Broad knowledge of research principles, practices, and techniques
• Knowledge of data input techniques, including computerized scanning software
• Knowledge of ethical principles scientists use to safeguard the use of animals in research
• Knowledge of standards for conducting research, as well as knowledge and experience working with research monitoring committees, such as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the VA Research Committee, and the Scientific Review Committee
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to systematically organize research data
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to correspond orally and in writing with research investigators and staff, as well as a variety of VA and non-VA professionals and support personnel
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines and redirect effort when priorities change unexpectedly
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In addition, the Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Paid sick time
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Mass Spectrometry: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Bedford, MA 01730 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bedford, MA 01730: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person