Research Assistant II - Vaccine Research

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

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant supports the vaccine research lab by performing a wide range of routine and specialized laboratory procedures in a GxP (GCLP)-compliant environment. The role involves conducting molecular and cell biology assays, including blood and tissue processing, cell isolation, cell culture, and immunoassays such as ELISA, ELISPOT, and intracellular cytokine staining. These assays are performed on human, non-human primate, and rodent specimens following established protocols. The Research Assistant is responsible for carrying out quality control analyses, accurately documenting data, interpreting results, and maintaining both the specimen management system and document control system. The position also requires the ability to operate, monitor, and maintain moderate- to high-complexity laboratory equipment, while ensuring full compliance with laboratory safety and biosafety policies. Success in this role requires speed, precision, and a strong understanding of the underlying scientific principles, as well as the ability to perform Level I duties with increased independence, analytical capability, and problem-solving skills. The position demands excellent organizational and communication abilities, effective time management, confidentiality, accountability, and meticulous attention to detail. The ability to plan and organize technical work, manage multiple simultaneous tasks, and uphold high-quality standards is essential. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of hematology, immunology, and relevant laboratory principles and procedures.

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. (essential)
• May operate and maintain moderate to complex lab equipment such as spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, etc. (essential)
• Using analytical abilities and sound judgment, makes decisions regarding the reliability and accuracy of results, repeating procedures when necessary. (essential)
• May assist with planning specific research procedures and coordinating schedules of tests and procedures (essential)
• 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. (essential)
• 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 (essential)
• May demonstrate routine to complex lab techniques to others in the lab. (essential)
• 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. (essential)

Required Qualifications:

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

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 with out 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.

Sensory Requirements:

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

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.

Pay Range:
$21.64 - $31.25

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

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) as a condition of employment.

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