Only a multi-disciplinary approach, such as that found in the Research Division at Joslin Diabetes Center, can fully explore the most promising pathways to prevent, treat and cure type 1 and type 2 diabetes and their complications. For diabetes is not a single disease, but rather a complex problem caused by multiple genes and environmental factors that call for scientists to attack it from many perspectives.

Uniquely Joslin
Our investigators, who engage in both basic and clinical research across the sections into which the Research Division is organized, are advancing science at an unusually fast pace due to Joslin’s unique environment. What sets us apart is our critical mass of researchers whose focus is diabetes and our one-of-a-kind resources that facilitate rapid scientific progress.

The Research Assistant will support Dr. Rask-Madsen on a project aimed at describing the role of the signaling molecule PKC (epsilon) on new blood vessel formation and diabetic retinopathy.

Responsibilities Include:

• Performs routine animal procedures on rats and mice (and their embryos), including administering drugs, taking blood samples, mating, checking for pregnancies, sacrificing, and dissecting.


• Performs molecular biology procedures such as electrophoresis, Western blotting, real-time PCR, measurement of enzyme activity; and functional cell culture assays such as determination of apoptosis rate, cell proliferation, and endothelial capillary tube formation.


• Establishes and maintains cell culture lines, and manipulates cell cultures with drugs or other stimuli to obtain cell lysates for expression analysis.  Prepares samples from cell cultures or animal tissues for gene expression analysis.  Propagates recombinant viral vectors or plasmids and infects or transfects cell culture or animals with such vectors.


• Maintains records of experimental data and calculations; inventory of materials; pedigree records of mouse strains and radioactivity disposal.


• Orders supplies and mice as needed, logging the delivery of supplies and store supplies appropriately upon delivery.


• Assists members of the team with the preparation of grant applications.

Qualifications Include: 

• Undergraduate degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related life science.


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  Undergraduate experience with general molecular biology procedures (i.e. preparation of samples from cell culture or animal tissues, electrophoresis, PCR, real-time PCR, Western blotting) gathered through classroom and laboratory work.


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  Extra-curricular or post-graduate experience with general molecular biology procedures desirable.


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  Experience with laboratory animals is desirable.


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  Ability to consistently perform detailed work to ensure accuracy in collecting and recording data.

Interested applicants should apply on line at www.joslin.org 

Apply to Job R1960-10: http://jobs-joslin.icims.com/jobs/1960/job

Joslin Diabetes Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V