Research Assistant I at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Department Description: The Division of Clinical Informatics, created almost 50 years ago by Drs. Howard Bleich and Warner Slack, was among the first academic divisions in the world to concentrate on the use of computers for patient care, teaching, and medical research. The goals of the Division have been to improve the quality and reduce the cost of medical care, to enhance the quality of medical education, to improve the relationship between doctor and patient, and to explore innovative approaches to research through computing.
Beginning in 1976 the faculty and staff of the Division designed, developed, implemented and studied hospital-wide, integrated computing systems for doctors, other clinicians, and students that would give the results of diagnostic studies immediately upon request; offer access to the biomedical literature with PaperChase (the first program of its kind, which in turn gave rise to a new field of literature searching and spawned numerous derivative programs); offer advice, consultation, alerts and reminders; assist with communication by electronic mail (with the Division's home-grown system, which was the first e-mail to be installed in a clinical facility); assist with order entry; and assist in the day-to-day practice of medicine, both for inpatient and ambulatory care.

Job Location: Boston, MA

Req ID: 38680BR


Job Summary: Under supervision of the principal investigator, conducts a variety of routine experiments using molecular, cell biology and/or biochemistry techniques. Records test results, calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data using basic statistics.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Conducts routine tests following established procedures, which may include assays, DNA sequencing, tissue culture, protein purification, Southern blotting, PCR analysis, electrophoresis, chromatography.


2. Researches and collects basic study data through monitoring devices and maintains daily logs/basic records of methodologies and test results. With supervision, using databases, may summarize data and interpret results using descriptive statistics and basic hypothesis testing.


3. May write standard operating procedures for documentation and make informal presentations of these procedures to others in the lab.


4. Performs literature searches and library investigations as they relate to the research and/or as assigned.


5. Due to the dynamic environment in which research exists, must show flexibility in performing principal duties and responsibilities as research projects evolve.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Life Science or a related scientific field required.


2. 0-1 years related work experience required.


3. Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment, computers (databases, spreadsheets, statistics) and scientific procedures.


4. Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.

Competencies:

1. 
   Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are based on specific instructions, standard practices and established procedures which generally require little or no supervision.


2. 
   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.


3. 
   Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures as provided. Work is monitored by supervisor/manager.


4. 
   Written Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers.


5. 
   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.


6. 
   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.


7. 
   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.


8. 
   Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Physical Nature of the Job:
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 through out the hospital campus Apply Now