Research Assistant II

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

Under general supervision of the principal investigator, conducts a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests using molecular, cell biology and / or biochemistry techniques. Performs lab procedures with speed, precision, and understanding of theory behind tests and procedures. Performs Level I responsibilities with a higher level of problem resolution, analytical ability, and self-direction.

Job Description :

Primary Responsibilities :

• Performs routine and non-routine laboratory tests which may include DNA sequencing, gene cloning, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, northern blotting; synthesizes and interprets results.
• Maintains different stains of mouse colonies, responsible for breeding and crosses as required by experimental designs. Maintains accurate census and genotyping.
• Assists postdocs and students with different experimental feeding or treatment protocols and specimen collection.
• May operate and maintain moderate to complex lab equipment such as spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, etc.
• Using analytical abilities and sound judgment, makes decisions regarding the reliability and accuracy of results, repeating procedures when necessary.
• May assist with planning specific research procedures and coordinating schedules of tests and procedures.
• 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.
• May have technical expertise in specific area(s) that surpasses basic performance expectations (i.e. knowledge / use of the electron microscope), contributes to the laboratory by utilizing this experience.
• May demonstrate routine to complex lab techniques to others in the lab.
• Attends Medical Center lectures regarding all safety requirements / conditions. Attends courses, lectures, and conferences to further own knowledge of research and laboratory techniques, consults with other researchers and technicians to exchange information. May demonstrate routine to complex lab techniques to others in the lab.

Required Qualifications :

Competencies :

Decision Making : Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.

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.

Independence of Action : Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor / manager.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Customer Service : Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Social / Environmental Requirements :

Work requires periods of close attention to work without interruption. Concentrated effort of up to 4 hours without break may be required.

Work routine is fairly consistent, but employee needs to be able to use judgment to respond to events several times a week.

Potential exposure to adverse environmental conditions :

Daily : Exposure to dust, gas, fumes, steam, chemicals-lab equipment, Protective equipment required (Respirator, earplugs, mask, gloves, eyewear etc); Potential exposure to infectious diseases and / or airborne pathogens, Potential exposure to infectious diseases and / or bloodborne pathogens.

Several times a week : Radiation-irradiator possible.

Health Care Status : NHCW : No patient contact. Health Care Worker Status may vary by department.

Close work (paperwork, visual examination), Color vision / perception, Visual monotony, Visual clarity

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 throughout the hospital campus. This job requires constant endurance, working up to 5-6 hours without a break, frequent sitting, standing, fine Manipulation using both hands, keyboard use. Rarely there may be Power Grasping using both hands.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled