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Research Assistant (Islet Cell & Regenerative Biology)

Employer
Joslin Diabetes Center
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 19, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Fellowship
The Research Assistant (Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology) will work in a lab that studies biology and function of pancreatic islets including insulin secreting beta cells and glucagon-secreting alpha cells. The lab has recently started to work on adult tissue-specific stem cells, particularly those stem cells that form the pancreatic islet cells. Current topics under investigation include generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and humans with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The studies are focused on using peripheral tissues (e.g. skin fibroblasts, blood cells and adult skeletal or adipose tissues) to generate induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Future studies will be focused on generating differentiated cells from these iPS cells, including pancreatic islet cells, mature skeletal muscle and adipocytes.

A research assistant is wanted to assist with ongoing experiments that include cell culture, molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, histology, mammalian cell culture and animal studies, and banking of human and mouse iPS cells. The assistant's responsibilities also will include maintenance of mouse colonies and genotyping of mouse strains. Some studies will involve collaboration with other investigators, and may require some assistance and work in these collaborators' labs.

Responsibilities

Participate in flow cytometry and stem cell research involving the operation of high-speed, multi-parameter cell sorters and analyzers (complex, expensive optical/electronic instruments).
Assist other lab members (Fellows) with culturing human tissues (e.g. skin and blood cells) including culturing, maintenance, and banking of cell lines.
Assist lab members with mouse tissue cultures, maintenance and banking of cell lines.
Routine culture of pluripotent stem cells, including picking of colonies, expansion, freezing of cells and generation of mouse embryonic feeder cells.
Characterization of pluripotent stem cells, including teratoma assays, immunohistochemistry, qPCR and western blotting analyses.
Screen offspring of several mouse strains by preparation of genomic DNA and PCR or by isolation of blood cells and flow cytometry.
Assist in placement of orders for reagents and supplies as needed, log delivery of supplies and store supplies appropriately upon delivery.
Assist with the maintenance of lab plasmid, antibody, and animal databases.
Assist in the isolation of cells and tissues from experimental animals, including preparation of these cells for subsequent analysis by flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.
Assist in the isolation of cells from human tissue samples, including preparation of these cells for subsequent analysis by flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.
Assist with experimental procedures involving mice, including cell transplantation and injection of soluble factors, as well as routine monitoring for health.
Work directly with a number of researchers, assisting in design, execution, and interpretation of experiments and also will assist in training and advising other lab members in use of equipment.
Operating and maintaining equipment, scheduling procedures, working with multiple investigators, interfacing with vendors, and preparing reagents.
Maintaining different animal strains, genotyping, injection, and other physiological experiments.
Other duties as assigned.

DISTRIBUTION OF TIME: The following is an approximate distribution of time that can change, based on the PI's determination, depending on the results of experiments at different times of any given study.
Schedule and conduct cell culture experiments, maintenance of cells and banking of human and mouse cells (20-50% of time; variable depending on requirements of the lab)
Using high-speed, multi-parameter cell sorters and analyzers - comprehend and execute complicated equipment operation procedures. (5% of time)
Assist in Training and advising other lab member in use of cell culture, cell sorters and analyzers. (5% of time)
Assist in the genotyping of mouse strains, in the isolation of cells and tissues from experimental animals, and in experimental procedures involving mice, including cell transplantation, in vivo maturation and teratoma assays, and injection of soluble factors, as well as routine monitoring for health. (25% of time)
Work collaboratively with lab members/investigators and staff to design experiments and evaluate research data. Requires understanding aims of various projects. (5-35% of time)
Perform quality control testing, troubleshoot and maintain instruments and computer programs during conduct of experiments. (5% of time)
Order materials/supplies, interface with vendors, and prepare laboratory reagents. Assist with generating reports for faculty and management (5% of time)

Qualifications

B.A. or B.S. in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related discipline. M.A. or M.S will also be considered.
Previous undergraduate or post-graduate lab experience, particularly with mammalian cell culture and handling/screening of small animals will be preferred.
Previous experience with human or mouse stem cell or iPS cell work is an advantage.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to navigate at a basic level within various web-based applications.
Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment - in a laboratory setting.
Willingness to work with animals and human tissues
Knowledge of cell culture and molecular biology and the ability to apply this knowledge.
Ability to follow general instructions and procedures, as provided.
Strong organizational and communication skills (communicate clearly and effectively via verbal and written instruction).
Attention to detail and ability to concentrate on multiple tasks
Ability to prioritize responsibilities - through completion.
Ability to work independently and with others in the lab - to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts.

Joslin is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minority/Female/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. Joslin values diversity and inclusion, and we encourage diversity applicants.

Joslin Diabetes Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is the policy of Joslin to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, marital/parental status, disability status, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law.

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