Job Description

Overview

The mission of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators examine how nutrition and physical activity play a role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging.

The Diet and Chronic Diseases of Aging research directive focuses on advancing the scientific basis for how diet quality and physical activity influence cellular function, physiology, metabolism, and eating behaviors. Critical to achieving this goal is to elucidate mechanisms of action and identify physiologic states that modify age-related chronic disease initiation and progression by expanding our knowledge of the underlying processes responsible for these relationships. This is achieved by conducting investigations to identify dietary patterns, specific foods and food components, and physical activities that promote healthy aging and prevent the progression of age-related chronic diseases. The success of this research will influence guidance on improving dietary patterns and increasing physical activity to promote healthy aging and reduce the physical toll and economic burden of age-related chronic diseases. 

What You'll Do

This is a grant funded position and is not eligible for severance pay. 

In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant develops and modifies laboratory techniques and protocols.  The Research Assistant works independently performing a wide range of specialized techniques and experiments; integrates and analyzes data, summarizes results and assists in writing materials for publication and presentation; supervises and/or provides direction to others in the laboratory; and helps manage laboratory operations. 

Essential Functions: 

• Conduct specialized laboratory experiments ( targeted lipidomics) including but not limited to fatty acid, sterol, and bile acid analyses from various biological samples.
• Perform advanced analytical procedures using gas chromatography (GC) including GC sequence setup, analysis, integration, data entry and GC maintenance.
• Oversee routine laboratory work such as inventory control using the Bioraft system; track sample usage/storage and laboratories supplies; update freezer inventory, and keep records.
• Review results and suggest modifications to experiments and protocols where necessary. Create, refine/edit and update research protocols.
• Monitor quality control and lab safety protocols, including satellite accumulation area (hazardous and biohazardous waste disposal).
• Train and supervise new personnel, visiting scientists and graduate students.
• Other duties as directed by the PI.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience OR Master’s degree and up to one year laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in science
• Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures including:
  • Prior experience with chromatography and spectrometry techniques is highly preferred
  • Familiarity with TotalChrom and Agilent MassHunter software, and MS office suite
  • Advanced laboratory bench skills and experience working in a BSL2 laboratory
  • Prior experience managing and overseeing students/ junior laboratory staff

Working Conditions:

• May work with and be exposed to human and animal tissue/fluids, noise, chemicals, biohazardous material, heat/cold, and fumes/gases.

Pay Range


Minimum $48,500.00, Midpoint $60,750.00, Maximum $73,000.00




Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

About Tufts University

This is Tufts. Tufts is a student-centered research university with a constellation of world-class schools encompassing undergraduate, graduate, professional, and lifelong learning programs. Across the university, students satisfy their intellectual curiosity, jump-start rewarding careers, and unlock bright, promising futures. Through rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to civic engagement and leadership, our community of students, faculty, and staff collaborate across four Massachusetts campuses to build a brighter world (Medford/Somerville, Grafton, Boston-Chinatown, and Boston-Fenway). Our employees light the way. Tufts develops innovative solutions for the most complex global challenges of our time through teaching, research, and an unparalleled investment in civic engagement. In administration and operations, in dining centers and in labs, every employee plays a role in our mission for a better, brighter world. At Tufts, the work you do matters. So do you. Enjoy flexible and remote opportunities, innovative benefits, and an inclusive, welcoming, collaborative culture that supports you. Develop your skills. Take classes. Advance your career. ... Do work that makes you proud in a community you love. All while taking great care of yourself and the people who matter most. We’re all in on creating an anti-racist culture of belonging. Across Tufts, we’ve deepened our commitment to making the university a truly inclusive place. Where every member of our community contributes and feels like they belong. Where diverse perspectives are seen as our strength, and great ideas are always heard. In offices, labs, classrooms, and beyond, we’re doing this work together, knowing it is the foundation of our mission to create a brighter world. An innovative university needs resourceful people who make things happen. Here, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, colleagues actually care, and community means everything. Sound appealing? Come join us. Choose a campus and find the role that fits you. Tufts University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff and fostering their success when hired. Members of underrepresented groups are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. See the University’s Non-Discrimination statement and policy here If you are an applicant with a disability who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, please contact us by calling the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 617-627-3298 or at [email protected]. Applicants can learn more about requesting reasonable accommodations at

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Job Tags

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