Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The VA-BU Translational Neurotherapeutics Laboratory located at the VA Boston Healthcare System (Jamaica Plain) seeks a full-time Health Science Specialist. Our research involves evaluating markers of pathology and neuroinflammation in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Gulf War Illness (GWI), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) under various treatment conditions. This position will support the Principal Investigator (Dr. Christina Tognoni) in our current study funded by the Department of Defense, “Military-Related Toxic Exposures as a Risk Factor for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis”.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to Principal Investigator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides coordination and support to applied research and innovation projects.
• Works with the Investigator on grant funded studies
• Provides assistance with research, analysis, and project management
• Manage mouse breeding colony (including recording and validation of genotyping results)
• Handle mice, including administering treatments and performing behavioral tests
• Coordinate the execution of the research plan including age-specific timepoints, conducting routine research assays (PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Western blot), and facilitating the organization of laboratory safety and IACUC protocols required by the VA.
• Assist with the layout and preparation of publication-grade data figures (PowerPoint/Photoshop) for manuscripts/research grants and assist with literature searches.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, or the equivalent)
• Preference will be given for having experience with handling of research animals (mice or rats).
• Laboratory experience with genotyping, biochemical assays, microscopy imaging, and office and reference-management software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EndNote) is also recommended.
• Well organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Committed to high quality work

Please note we are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The employee must be a resident of Massachusetts upon start date.

Selected Service

If you are male application born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire and periodic reappointment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boston VA Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.

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