Senior Research Assistant

Job Description:

The Senior Research Assistant will independently maintain cell lines and reagents, perform transfections, PCR, western blotting, and extractions of RNA, DNA and protein. In addition, the Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for preparing equipment and supplies so that experiments in the laboratory can be carried out successfully. Candidate is expected to maintain order in the lab and independently perform experiments in collaboration with computational biologists and other lab members. The Senior Research Assistant will collect, record, and interpret experimental data and contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. This position will supervise and assist students, post-doc and other research assistants in the laboratory.

The Fairbrother Laboratory uses a combination of computational biology and high-throughput genomics techniques to identify functional elements in the genome. We seek to understand recognition events important in gene expression and processing (i.e transcription and RNA splicing). Some specific projects include 1) understanding how particular arrangements of sequence elements are read by the splicing machinery, 2) identifying mutations/polymorphisms that disrupt splicing in the human population.

This is a fixed term position with a current end date of one year from the date of hire which may be extended based upon available funding.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years’ lab experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 

• Knowledge of laboratory approaches and techniques in the areas of Molecular, Cell Biology and Biochemistry. 

• Candidate should be competent in basic molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, electrophoresis and western blotting, and in growing and maintaining mammalian cell cultures.

• Preferred: Specific experience in RNA/DNA purification and analysis, next-generation sequencing, biochemistry, or cellular imaging.

Job Competencies

• Strong organizational skills, technical/ scientific and time management skills

• Ability to supervise others

• Ability to design, conduct and evaluate experiments independently

• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with co-workers

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION CHECK REQUIRED

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-02-18

Job Posting Title:

Senior Research Assistant

Department:

Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Grade:

Grade 9

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Onsite

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.