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Tufts University

Research Technician

Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

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Research Technician

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Tufts University

Overview The Department of Immunology maintains research programs that focus on translational and basic research in areas relevant to human disease. Our goal is to become a world‑class center for the study of inflammation and the targeted development of novel therapeutics for both treatment and prevention of immune‑mediated diseases.

What You'll Do We are seeking a Research Technician to support studies in T‑cell immunology and autoimmunity. The lab focuses on:

Generating and stabilizing regulatory T (Treg) cells from effector CD4⁺ T cells

Dissecting epigenetic and metabolic pathways that govern Treg lineage stability and fitness (e.g., OXPHOS/heme biosynthesis)

Testing antigen‑specific Treg therapies in mouse models of multiple sclerosis (EAE)

The position involves primary T cell isolation and culture, differentiation assays (Treg/Th17), viral transduction and CRISPR/Cas9 perturbations, multi‑color flow cytometry, mouse colony support and EAE studies (induction, clinical scoring, and tissue processing), and standard molecular biology (qPCR, cloning, Western blotting). The technician will keep accurate records, perform basic analyses (FlowJo, GraphPad Prism; optional R/Python), and help maintain lab operations and regulatory compliance. This role offers substantial hands‑on training, authorship opportunities commensurate with contribution, and growth toward increasing independence. A two‑year commitment is preferred.

Conduct bench research experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results

Participate in animal experiments

Record results and maintain accurate records of experiments

Perform limited data interpretation and assist with basic statistics and analysis

Maintain laboratory equipment and order/keep inventory of supplies

Prepare stock solutions, reagents and other media

Participate in the weekly lab Journal Club

What We're Looking For Basic Requirements

Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field

Up to 1 year of relevant laboratory experience (including coursework labs); strong sterile technique and attention to detail

Comfort working with mice and willingness to perform animal procedures after training

Proficiency with basic molecular/biochemical techniques (pipetting accuracy, PCR, gel electrophoresis) and basic data analysis (Excel/Prism; maintaining an electronic lab notebook)

Strong organizational and communication skills; reliability, initiative, and the ability to follow SOPs precisely

Ability to occasionally accommodate time‑sensitive experiments (e.g., EAE scoring) outside standard hours

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with primary T‑cell isolation and culture; Treg/Th17 polarization assays

Mouse handling and procedures (e.g., injections, EAE induction, clinical scoring, perfusion, tissue harvest)

Flow cytometry (panel design, compensation, analysis in FlowJo) and/or FACS experience

CRISPR/Cas9 editing; lentiviral/retroviral vector cloning and transduction

qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, RNA isolation; basic cloning

Experience with data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism; optional R/Python) and figure preparation

Prior exposure to IACUC/IBC protocols and BSL‑2 practices

Interest in a two‑year commitment and growth toward semi‑independent project ownership

Pay Range Minimum $20.50, Midpoint $24.40, Maximum $28.30 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Seniority Level Entry level

Employment Type Full‑time

Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Waltham, MA

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