Research Assistant I - Seaman Laboratory

Job Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Job Summary:

Under supervision of the principal investigator, conducts a variety of routine and some specialized experiments using molecular, cell biology and/or biochemistry techniques. Performs lab procedures with speed, precision, records test results, calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data using basic statistics.

Department Specific Job Responsibilities:

1. Processes human blood, serum, and other biological specimens using tissue culture and other laboratory techniques defined by the
principles of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standard operating procedures (SOPs). These human samples are obtained from
phase I/II/III clinical trials testing candidate vaccines/therapeutics against COVID-19, HIV-1, and other emerging pathogens.
2. Performs in vitro tissue culture-based immune assays to study antibody mediated immunity to COVID-19, HIV-1, and other emerging
pathogens in humans.
3. Maintains and updates procedures and regulatory documentation associated with GCLP clinical trial work and other various research
programs.
4. Coordinates the shipment, transport, and tracking of study specimens from the laboratory’s affiliated clinical sites. This includes walking to
nearby clinical research sites to obtain human clinical specimens for processing in the laboratory.
5. Uses standard research equipment which may include, but not be limited to the following instruments: centrifuge, ultracentrifuge, coulter
counter, luminometer, label maker, ELISA reader, Gel Doc, spectrophotometer, and PCR machine.
6. Obtains and maintains Dangerous Goods Shipping certification and other certifications related to GCLP and Humans Subjects Research.
7. Monitors laboratory equipment daily for GCLP documentation and notifies supervisor if deviations are found.
8. Maintains proper documentation of all experimental procedures and results and any deviations from SOPs and study-specific protocols.
9. Attends courses, lectures, lab meetings, and conferences to further knowledge of research. Also attends hospital lectures/trainings
regarding all hospital safety requirements/conditions.
Other pertinent, related duties required for specific lab/research:
Duties necessitate broad knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory techniques typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree in
biology or related life/natural sciences. Due to the dynamic environment

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Performs routine and non-routine laboratory tests which may include DNA sequencing, gene cloning, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, northern blotting; synthesizes and interprets results.
2. May operate and maintain moderate to complex lab equipment such as spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, etc.
3. Using analytical abilities and sound judgment, makes decisions regarding the reliability and accuracy of results, repeating procedures when necessary.
4. May assist with planning specific research procedures and coordinating schedules of tests and procedures
5. May prepare written and/or verbal reports on status of research and the technical procedures used, including statistical and graphic summaries of findings and possible conclusions.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related scientific field required.
2. 0-1 years related work experience required.
3. Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Competencies:

1. Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.
2. Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
3. Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
4. Written Communications: Ability to read, and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.
5. Oral Communications: Ability to understand spoken English in order to follow basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively in basic English with patients, families and medical center staff in response to routine questions.
6. Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to use them in routine situations. Specialized knowledge not required.
7. Team Work: Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information or deliver services.
8. Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Physical Nature of the Job:
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Some elements of the job are sedentary, but the employee will be required to stand for periods of time or move through out the hospital campus

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Learn more about this requirement.

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled