Research Assistant I/II/III- Tewhey Lab

at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, United States

Job Description

Research Assistant I/II/III- Tewhey Lab

The Tewhey Lab is seeking a Research Assistant I, II or III to join our group at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. The successful applicant will be part of a team of scientists working to understand the precise genetic mechanisms underlying complex traits and disease risk in humans. Our group develops and applies novel high-throughput genetic techniques to comprehensively characterize non-coding regions of the genome to understand the regulatory grammar of gene expression and how these regions impact human health.

The Tewhey Lab also assists with the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the state of Maine. This position will be a dual-trained position that assists with both core projects.

We are a fast-paced research group where members work together on small cross-disciplinary teams to accomplish research goals. We seek a highly motivated individual who can communicate effectively, work well in a team setting and has a strong desire to learn new methods. Core responsibilities will include viral genome sequencing and assisting with the animal colony management of our in vivo program. The Tewhey lab is a highly dynamic group and the opportunity to cross-train and learn additional skills are available and highly encouraged. Your work will be central to several major research projects, and professional advancement and co-authorship on high-impact publications is strongly supported. Motivation and curiosity are the two most critical skills that we expect in a successful applicant.

The ideal candidate will have competency in at least one of the following areas and a strong enthusiasm to learn from our team of scientists additional required skills.

Knowledge in molecular biology techniques including: DNA/RNA extractions, qPCR, preparation of Illumina sequencing libraries, and methods for viral whole genome sequencing.

Experience working and handling mice in a research or production setting including: colony management, husbandry skills, and proficiency with sampling and genotyping.

Requirements
Research Assistant I:

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, bioengineering or related discipline and 1+ years of research or professional experience in a laboratory setting.
Research Assistant II:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in biological sciences, bioengineering or related discipline and 3 - 6 years of research or professional experience in a laboratory setting.
Research Assistant III:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in biological sciences, bioengineering or related discipline and 6+ years of research or professional experience in a laboratory setting.
All levels:

Ability to think creatively to independently solve problems.

Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, DNA Sequencing).

Comfortable using Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets.

High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team.

Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.

For more information on the research in the Tewhey Lab please visit:

About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, 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.
JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients' lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 "Best Places to Work in Academia" in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.